Polymers
KBR, SOCAR JV awarded second program management contract in Azerbaijan
KBR, Inc.’s JV with SOCAR was awarded a second program management consultancy contract for the Azerikimya Production Union of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan.
Saudi Aramco acquires Novomer’s polyol business and associated technologies
Saudi Aramco has acquired the Converge product line and associated operations and technologies from US-based Novomer Inc.
ExxonMobil introduces low viscosity Vistamaxx polymers to improve processing
ExxonMobil is introducing low viscosity Vistamaxx performance polymers that can be used to maintain or improve cycle times of injection molded or extruded applications.
INEOS O&P USA implements vertical integration strategy through WL Plastics acquisition
INEOS O&P USA has acquired 100% of the shares of WLP Holding Corp., one of the largest high density polyethylene pipe manufacturers in North America.
Grace to provide UNIPOL PP process technology and services at Braskem La Porte, TX facility
W. R. Grace & Co. will provide its UNIPOL PP process technology and services to Braskem America’s newest planned facility in La Porte, TX, which could begin operations in early 2019.
Arkema increases its Kynar fluoropolymer capacities in China
Arkema has increased its Kynar PVDF production capacity by 25% at its Changshu platform near Shanghai.
Braskem commissions new polyethylene plant in La Porte, Texas
Braskem has commissioned a new ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene production plant at its La Porte, Texas site.
ExxonMobil expands Exceed XP performance polymers portfolio
ExxonMobil is expanding its Exceed XP portfolio with the introduction of new grades that deliver exceptional performance advantages for resin converters and end-users.
Covestro declares force majeure on polyurethane raw materials
Due to an unforeseen production outage at a supplier of nitric acid, Covestro’s European production facilities for the isocyanates MDI and TDI can currently only be operated at reduced capacity.
BASF, Avantium establish JV for bio-based chemicals
BASF and Avantium have formed a new JV for the production and marketing of furandicarboxylic acid, as well as the marketing of polyethylenefuranoate.

- More than 100 employees leave U.S. EIA, putting crucial energy data at risk 4/17
- Russia ramps up oil products supplies to Indonesia 4/17
- India eyes ending import tax on U.S. ethane and LPG in trade talks 4/17
- Russia's diesel output to rise in May despite seasonal maintenance 4/17
- Valero books $1.1-B impairment, may idle California refinery 4/17
- Czechs hail end of Russian oil dependence with first increased deliveries from west 4/17