PC consumption in Ukraine decreased by 41% in January-May 2014

MOSCOW (MRC) - Consumption of polycarbonate (PC) granules in Ukraine decreased to 956 tonnes in January-May 2015, down 41% compared to the same period last year, according to a MRC DataScope report.

Reduction in Ukraine's PC consumption in the market that is completely dependent on imports, largely resulted from price rise for PC granules in Europe and limited export quotas from the producers. At the moment the situation in the European PC granules market is critical. On the back of force majeures in May there was formed a deficit of phenol, which led to PC granules shortage. This caused another jump in prices for the polymer.

Producers explained the price increase by the need to obtain a minimum margin and to cover costs, incurred previously. Besides, given the current exchange rate and strengthening of the dollar, European producers prefer to sell in dollars and limit the supplies to other regions.

Thus, the Ukrainian market has a deficit of PC granules, especially in the extrusion and bottled segments. It is expected that the situation will improve in late July - early August. However, during this time prices can be increased again.

Traders are considering the delivery of Iranian PC granules from Khuzestan Petrochemical (Sirjangostar Global Group) in the case of the further growth of European prices. However, there were no purchases of Iranian material so far.

Some market players said they suspended their projects because of the limited solvency and working funds problems. For this reason, further purchases are also suspended.

Most of all, the buying interest falls for specialized and high-tech brands PC. At the same time, domestic competition between the major players in the Ukrainian market has increased. Most Ukrainian companies have kept business contacts with Russia, however, practically all agreements with Crimea were terminated.

At the beginning of June contract prices for injection moulding PC granules in Europe were in the range of EUR2,400-2,550/tonne FD NWE, and for extrusion PC at EUR2,350-2,500/tonne FD NWE. European PC granules prices are expected to rise again in the beginning of the third quarter by EUR150-200/tonne, which, after affects the other regions.


MRC

Prices are rising in the Russian PC market

MOSCOW (MRC) - In spite of the decline of high season, prices in June in the Russian market of extrusion of polycarbonate (PC) did not reduce, moreover, the prices for imported PC increased significantly compared to the May level, according to ICIS-MRC Price Report.

First of all, it is worth noting the rise in prices for imported PC granules. European producers have begun to raise export prices since mid-May because of the PC shortage, resulted from several force majeures on phenol plants in Europe. This, in turn, led to the price rise for PC production chain.

The low end for extrusion PC in the European market now is at EUR2,350/tonne FD NWE. June import price for extrusion PC granules from Sabic Innovative Plastics has reached the level of EUR2,300/tonne, CFR St Peterburg. Many Russian converters plan to reduce the consumption of imported PC because of the high domestic prices, fuelled by the next drop of the rouble. Russian PC in this case is more preferable.

However, at the moment, market players reported a shortage of the material and the lack of available volumes.
Kazanorgsintez's PC prices for June were at Rb154,000/tonne CPT Moscow, including VAT. The price remained steady from the May level.

Some participants fear the increase in the price for Russian PC to Rb160,000/tonne, CPT Moscow, including VAT at the end of June, but the factory denies these rumours. As it was previously reported, Kazanorgsintez,the only PC producer in Russia, plans to shut its PC volumes on the maintenance works from 2, July to 29, July.

At this time in the market, despite the traditionally weak demand in mid-summer, is likely to be a shortage of PC.
Some converters are also planned turnarounds in this period, but for a shorter period.

MRC

Teknor Apex introduces new family of TPEs for consumer products

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Teknor Apex Company has introduced a new family of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for consumer products provides vivid color, tactile appeal, and soft-grip ergonomics while spanning a broad range of physical properties and exhibiting excellent moldability, said the producer on its site.

Teknor Apex Company's Monprene CP Series compounds are standard products available in identical formulations to customers in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Two series are available: Monprene CP-10100 low-density compounds, with specific gravity of 0.89; and Monprene CP-11100 high-density compounds, with specific gravity of 1.15. Initially each series is comprised of six grades with Shore A hardness ranging from 40 to 90. With a light hue in natural form, Monprene CP Series compounds exhibit excellent colorability.

All grades are suitable for skin contact and are resistant to cosmetics and household chemicals. When over-molded onto a rigid substrate, they provide a soft grip with ergonomic benefits. The high-flow properties of Monprene CP Series TPEs make them suitable for a wide range of part shapes and sizes in injection, insert, and two-component molding. They exhibit excellent adhesion to polyolefins.

Teknor Apex recommends Monprene CP Series compounds for grip, handle, cushion, anti-skid, anti-vibration, knob, and button applications in such products as writing instruments, sporting goods, appliances, tools, personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors, and flexible or soft items like toys.

As MRC informed previously, in 2013, Teknor Apex Company introduced a new rigid vinyl compound with a specially developed UV-blocking formulation, which provides clarity for photobioreactor and other outdoor tubing, along with high gloss and toughness for weatherable profile applications. Teknor Apex Company has introduced a new rigid vinyl compound with a specially developed UV-blocking formulation, which provides clarity for photobioreactor and other outdoor tubing, along with high gloss and toughness for weatherable profile applications

Teknor Apex is one of the world's leading custom compounders headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA. The company produces PA compounds in the UK, the U.S.A., and Singapore. Teknor Apex is one of the world's leaders of specialty PVC compounds which are used in a wide range of applications from wire and cable to automotive, medical, consumer and industrial products. The company also produces thermoplastic elastomers, nylon, bioplastics, chemicals, specialty compounds.
MRC

Bio-based polyethylene market estimated to grow at CAGR 12.3% by 2019

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The bio-based polyethylene market is estimated to grow to US$751.9 mln by 2019 at a CAGR 12.3%, as per Plastemart with reference to MicroMarket Monitor.

The packaging segment accounts the largest share of this market. Bio-based packaging is primarily used for manufacturing medical devices & equipment, automotive interior, electronic housing, and others. The use of bio-based packaging offers better value in terms of functionality, quality, and performance.

Technological advancements in hydraulic fracturing, which is one of the feedstock for ethylene, would give polyethylene a price advantage as compared to bio-based polyethylene resins. Due to this manufacturers prefer ethylene over bio-based ethylene, which in turn acts as the major drawback for bio- based polyethylene market.

The European bio-based polyethylene market was the largest in terms of volume in 2014. Various regulations restrict the use of petroleum-based products in this region, which promotes the use of bio-based feedstock to manufacture chemicals, thus making bio-based polyethylene a preferred choice in end-use applications. Due to the rising awareness of regarding harmful effects of petroleum-based products, consumers' choice is shifting towards bio-based products, which again acts as a driving factor for bio-based polyethylene market.

We remind that, as MRC reported earlier, in April 2015, PolyOne Corporation, a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, launched Geon BIO Flexible Solutions, formulated with a bio-derived plasticizer and in compliance with phthalate-restrictive regulations, such as California's Prop 65 and the Consumer Product Safety Initiative Act of 2008 (CPSIA).
MRC

Bio PET market expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.5% to 2019

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The global bio-polyethylene terephthalate (PET) market was valued at USD457.9 mln in 2014, and is projected to reach USD1317.5 mln by 2019, at a CAGR 23.5% from 2014 to 2019, as per Plastemart with reference to MicroMarket Monitor.

Bio-polyethylene terephthalate is a thermosetting polymer, which is produced from bio-based ethylene glycol. It is basically used an intermediate to manufacture plastics. The bottles segment accounts for the highest share in the global bio-PET market. The use of bio-based bottles offers better value in terms of functionality, quality, and performance. Therefore, bio-based bottles are primarily used in varied applications, such as beverage packaging and medicine packaging among others.

Bio-based extraction of bio-polyethylene terephthalate leads to acidification of ground water and soil, which in turn acts as a major restraining factor hampering the growth of the global bio-polyethylene terephthalate market.

The North American region dominated the global bio-polyethylene terephthalate market in terms of volume in 2014. This growth is mainly attributed to the rise in number of governmental regulations restricting the use of petroleum sources, thereby promoting bio-based feedstock to manufacture chemicals. Additionally, increase in environmental concerns has also resulted in the widespread adoption of bio-based products.

The global bio-polyethylene terephthalate market is segmented on basis of application and geography. By geography, this market is further classified into regions such as Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and rest of the world.

As MRC informed previously, global bio based PET market is expected to reach 5,800 kilo tons by 2020 , according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc.
MRC