Azelis extends co-operation with Evonik in DACH for Coating applications

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Azelis announces a new distribution contract with Evonik, a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer, said the producer in its press release.

In addition to other European countries, Azelis can now also offer products in Evonik’s Crosslinkers business line to customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) for coatings, inks and other applications. This new co-operation represents a mandate extension of successful agreements between the two companies for these products across Europe.

Michel Dumusois, International Business Director, Azelis Coatings, states, "With Evonik’s Crosslinkers technology coupled with Azelis’ Coatings expertise, I am certain that its well known product line will be a strong addition to our portfolio in DACH. Azelis will leverage its experience in Crosslinkers applications, established local customer relationships and work closely with Evonik, to rapidly expand market share in the region."

Johan Holleman, Sales Director Europe, Evonik, adds "We know that many of our customers value the extra flexibility that comes from sourcing products via a third party known for a broad product portfolio and value added service. We are certain this will continue to be a fruitful partnership with benefits for all involved, as we have worked well with the Azelis Coating teams in other European countries."

Evonik’s Crosslinkers business line, part of the Coatings & Additives business unit and marketed under the VESTASOL, VESTAMIN, VESTANAT and VESTAGON trade names, offers real benefits for customers by improving coating performance and protection in a wide range of paints, coatings and printing inks. As MRC wrote before, Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bio-processed precursors for specialty plastics from waste derived synthesis gas.

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) has signed an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Companhia Providencia Industria e Comercio (Providencia), a Brazilian manufacturer of nonwoven materials used in hygiene, healthcare, and industrial applications, said Plastemart.

This acquisition further accelerates PGI's global growth strategy by extending its presence into Brazil, an attractive and high-growth region, and enhancing its capabilities in North America.

PGI has nonwovens operations in 13 countries across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The acquisition of Providencia will enable the company to serve a more diverse range of customers in Latin America, according to the release. In November 2013, PGI completed its acquisition of Fiberweb Inc., the Nashville–based manufacturer of specialty nonwoven products and materials. As a result of that acquisition, PGI became the world’s largest manufacturer of nonwovens, according to its Nov. 15 press release.

"The acquisition of Providencia is exciting for PGI, as it aligns directly with our strategic commitment to global growth," said J. Joel Hackney Jr., Chief Executive Officer for PGI. "Providencia has built a vibrant business serving customers focused on hygiene, healthcare and industrial applications, all of which are core focus areas for PGI. The complementary nature of our businesses and Providencia's established relationships with its customers make it a perfect fit to join the PGI family."

As MRC wrote before, Brazilian trade deficit in plastic resins and raw materials surged in the first eight months of 2013 to USD615mn from just USD6.7mn in the same period last year. Producers of polyolefins outside Brazil, especially in the US, used their lower production costs to increase their share of a fast growing market.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Stavrolen (part of LUKOIL Group), one of the largest Russian producers of polymers, has suspended polypropylene (PP) production, according to ICIS-MRC Price report.

Stavrolen was forced to shut down its PP production on 30 January because of abnormal frosts. At the same time, the plant's production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) is operating normally.

The outage at the plant's PP production was compulsory and will not last more than three days.

Stavrolen is the second largest Russian HDPE producer after Kazanorgsintez and the third largest PP producer after Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Tomskneftekhim. Stavrolen's HDPE and PP annual production capacities are 300,000 tonnes and 120,000 tonnes, respectively.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Imports of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into Kazakhstan grew by 29% last year. Such a major increase in imports was largely driven by re-imported Chinese PVC to Russia, according to MRC DataScope.

Imports of unmixed PVC (suspension and emulsion PVC) into Kazakhstan rose by 29% from 2012 and totalled about 32,000 tonnes.

Demand from local converters increased in 2013, however, such a growth was largely caused by increased exports of Chinese acetylene PVC to Russia.
The key PVC suppliers to Kazakhstan are Chinese producers - Xinjiang Zhongtai and Xinjiang Tianye, which are also main suppliers to the Russian market. The tariff for cargo transit by rail through Kazakhstan doubled for Russian companies in 2013. And, as some market participants said, the mere difference in rates for rail transportation gives a significant advantage to Kazakh companies over the Russian ones.

MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The Keltan Elastomers (KEL) business unit of specialty chemicals group Lanxess will raise its prices for all of its Keltan EPDM grades (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) in Europe, Middle East and Africa, effective February 1, 2014, reported the company on its site.

The price adjustment for EPDM is EUR125 per tonne.

EPDM, which is offered under the brand name Keltan, is used in the automotive industry as door sealants, hoses, belts or anti-vibration parts. The product is also used in plastic modification, wire and cable, construction and oil additives. Its properties include very low density, good resistance to heat, oxidation, chemicals and weathering as well as good electrical insulation.

As MRC informed previously, in November 2013, Lanxess KEL business unit implemented a price increase for all of its Keltan EPDM grades of up to USD150/tonne. The price rise, which only affected the Asian region, was due to rising costs, especially for raw materials.

The Keltan elastomers business unit is part of Lanxess’ Performance Polymers segment, which recorded sales of EUR 5.18 billion in fiscal 2012.

Lanxess is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 9.1 billion in 2012. The company is currently represented at 50 production sites worldwide. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of plastics, rubber, intermediates and specialty chemicals. The Butyl Rubber business unit is part of Lanxess’ Performance Polymers segment, which recorded sales of EUR 5.2 billion in 2012.
MRC