Dow will retrofit proprietary fluidized catalytic dehydrogenation (FCDh) technology into one of its mixed-feed crackers in Plaquemine, Louisiana, to produce on-purpose propylene.

BASF has entered into an agreement with China BlueChemical and Wuhuan Engineering to develop and supply innovative catalysts, special reactor design and related process technology that enable CO2 direct utilization via reforming and synthesis gas to chemicals. The deal focuses on the utilization of marine gas with a high CO2 content and will help to reduce carbon footprint via improved process efficiency and carbon efficiency.

Sanofi on shopping spree in India: Merial, the Animal Health division of Sanofi, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the animal health division of the Indian company Dosch Pharmaceuticals.

Ascend has plans to develop a new hexamethylene diamine and specialty chemicals plant in Lianyungang, China which will also be the company’s first chemical production facility and the largest investment the firm has made outside the USA. The plant will produce HMD as well as specialty chemicals which will help in the technological transformations of various industries such as e-mobility and automation in the region.

To succeed in the lucrative orphan drug market, pharma companies require specialist capabilities. To do so, most big pharma companies have inherited specialty business units through mergers and acquisitions (M&As), says analytics company Global Data.

Solvay and Trillium Renewable Chemicals have joined hands to develop a bio-based acrylonitrile supply chain for producing bio-carbon fiber which can be used across various industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer goods.

B&W Mechanical Handling Ltd. evolved into Samson Materials Handling Ltd. as of 1st of January 2013. According to the company, this progression would be a reflection of the great success Samson equipment, which has played a key role in the company’s most successful bulk materials handling projects right from the start.

Evonik and the government of the Russian Rostov Region reaffirmed their corperation for the production of L-lysine. A corresponding memorandum of understanding was signed. The objective is to establish a facility for the production of feedstuff additive Biolys in Volgodonsk/Russia through the joint venture OOO Donbiotech.

Protecting process systems from overpressure scenarios — Protecting valuable equipment and piping from overpressure is usually achieved by pressure safety valves. Yet, sometimes, these measures face limitations due to facilities constraints and other factors. High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems offer an alternative approach.

Dow announced an agreement with the Fuenix Ecogy Group from the Netherlands for the supply of pyrolysis oil feedstock, which is made from recycled plastic waste. The feedstock will be used to produce new polymers at the chemical group's production facilities at Terneuzen, the Netherlands.