BASF, Bekaert, Voestalpine to develop thermoplastics with steel

(basf) -- Together with its partners Bekaert (Belgium) and voestalpine Plastics Solutions (Netherlands), BASF is now working on the development of thermoplastic components that are reinforced with steel cord fabrics and produced by means of injection molding.

The three companies have joined together with the objective of employing and further developing this new EASI technology with partners in the automotive industry. The abbreviation EASI stands for Energy Absorption, Safety and Integrity.

In contrast to known types of reinforcements like continuous fiber-reinforced laminates or other carbon or glass fiber fabrics, the steel cord inserts ensure especially the integrity of the molded part's function in a crash situation. This creates an entirely new performance class.

MRC

Avantium and Danone sign development partnership for Next Generation bio-based plastic: PEF

(biofuelsdigest) -- In the Netherlands, Avantium announced a Joint Development Agreement for the development of PEF bottles with Danone Research. Based on the YXY technology, the Avantium and Danone Research joint objective is to contribute to the emergence of a new renewable material generation which will not be in direct competition with food.

YXY is used as a fast and efficient chemical-catalytic technology to convert carbohydrates produced from plants, grains, energy crops, lignocellulosic matter, waste streams, waste paper or agricultural residues, into a wide variety of bio-based polymers. Based on ongoing R&D programs, Avantium will also continue to develop PEF from renewable feedstock not competing with food.

Avantium has recently opened its pilot plant in Geleen, the Netherlands, with the capacity of producing 40 tons of PEF for application development. The collaborations with Danone and The Coca-Cola Company are key to secure a smooth transition into the mass production phase of PEF bottles. Avantium is in active discussion with other leading brand owners to develop PEF bottles, fibers and film. In the longer term Avantium will license its YXY technology to enable large scale, world-wide production and use of its bio-sourced plastic materials.

MRC

Invista announces distribution alliance in Europe

(plastech) -- Invista Engineering Polymers and Hromatka Group recently signed a distribution agreement to sell Invista's new Torzen polyamide resin in Europe.

The agreement with Hromatka includes Graesslin, Plastoplan, Lenorplastics and Polymix IP. Among European distributors, Invista's Torzen polyamide is available only through Hromatka Group in countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, France, Italy and Hungary.

⌠The benefit for our customers will be access to Invista's high-quality, high-value Torzen polyamide resin grades through the well-organized sales network of Hromatka Group's subsidiaries, said Adrian Kaminski, Europe distribution manager, Invista Engineering Polymers.
MRC

Gazprom Neft plans to invest EUR70 mln in petrochemicals in cooperation with Sibur

(plastemart) -- In 2012, Gazprom Neft plans to invest up to RUB3 bln (EUR70 mln) in developing its petrochemical business, in cooperation with Sibur.

The deal will allow Sibur and Gazprom Neft to expand its business in the profitable segment of the market. The two companies have already launched a joint project for polypropylene production at a Moscow refinery.

Neft and Sibur are currently working on the next project, which will involve production of polypropylene at a plant in Omsk which is owned by the Titan Group.

MRC

European shipping firms notified of further growth in April freight costs

(chemmonitor) -- With the announcement of growing freight costs in March, European shipping firms have notified of further essential growth in April freight rates, getting most of their rate increase targets for March.

Precipitously rising freight rates bring barriers to polymer trade worldwide into being. Increasing freight costs force traders to look for a more stable price policy. Many are unsatisfied with their shipment volume fallen.


MRC