Exxon Mobil and Global Thermostat have entered into a joint development agreement to advance breakthrough technology that can capture and concentrate carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources. The move is aimed at developing lower-emissions solutions to mitigate the risks of climate change.

A MOU has been signed by the applied research institutes TNO, Dechema and Vito to set up a public-private platform on industrial carbon-neutrality which will assist the transition to industrial carbon-neutrality in the trilateral region (The Netherlands-Germany-Belgium). The platform aims to develop international collaboration between stakeholders from industry, governments, regulators, infrastructure asset owners and operators to achieve the objective.

With an aim to create a new company experience for its customers, BASF has plans to reduce about 6,000 positions across the globe by the end of 2021 under its new development strategy. The transformation will also include leaner structures and simplified processes.

MG2 inaugurated inside its premises three “cleanrooms”: chambers whose features respect the severe standards applied by pharmaceutical companies. First of all, these locations guarantee a safe working environment, and subsequently they can be used to increase the range of feasible tests.

Anton Paar introduces an Ex version of the L-Com 5500 density and sound velocity sensor that complies with industry standards for hazardous environments.

The new unmanaged switches for field installation expand the product range of Ethernet switches from Phoenix Contact. The new 1608 and 1708 variants of the FL Switch 1000 product family feature the IP65/IP66/IP67 degrees of protection and make it easier to integrate distributed sensors, actuators, cameras, and I/O stations into the network.

Qatar boosts its petrochemical industry: Only recently, Qatar Petrochemical Company’s (QAPCO) launched its new flagship–site, the world's largest low–density polyethylene (LDPE) plant. The event attracted officials and dignitaries from industry and government, such as Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

Engineering partner Fluor has begun the construction works for a new delayed coker unit at Exxon Mobil's refinery in Antwerp, Begium. The recent expansion of the Belgian refinery is among other investments totaling more than US $ 2 billion over the last decade at the facility.

Sensirion has introduced two new versions of its fourth-generation humidity sensors – the SHT41 and SHT45. These sensors offer enhanced humidity and temperature accuracy specifications, setting the new market and technology standard. The sensors also build on the optimized CMOSens chip that offers ultra-low power consumption.

Reuters reports that Sinopec Corp is planning to increase its investment in fine chemicals at its Maoming-Zhanjiang refining base in southern China.