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Chemical Conversion of Plastic Waste into Fuel

February 7, 2019 | 171 views

The United Nations estimate that more than 8 million tons of plastics flow into the oceans each year. A new chemical conversion process could transform the world’s polyolefin waste, a form of plastic, into useful products, such as clean fuels and other items.

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Action Adhesives

Action Adhesives was founded in 1997, and since has become a leading supplier of adhesives products and solutions within Ireland and the UK. Supplying industries such as the construction, transport, furniture manufacturing, paper & packaging amongst many other market segments.

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Chemical Management

Petrochemical buyers, after a very difficult pandemic, can gain from China-driven deflation

Article | July 22, 2021

BUYERS OF polypropylene (PP) and other polymers and petrochemicals have had an incredibly difficult pandemic. Firstly, the converters and brand owners expected doom and gloom last March. At the time it seemed logical to expect a cratering of demand as the global economy pretty much imploded. Just looking at forecasts for GDP, parallels were drawn with the Global Financial Crisis when collapses in growth led to a cratering of polymers demand. The US is a good example where PP demand declined by 12% in 2008 over 2007. Demand then fell by a further 5% in 2009 over 2008.But what we all missed was the complete dislocation of polymers and petrochemicals demand from GDP. As economies registered historic declines, consumption went up. PP demand went through the roof, firstly for food packaging and hygiene applications.Then consumption for the durable goods made from PP also smashed through the rafters as we bought white goods (PP is used to make components of washing machines), consumer electronics (PP is used to make some electronic components) and carpets (PP fibres are used here).

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Chemical Technology

Reimagining the Workforce with Anglo American

Article | July 20, 2022

“At Anglo-American, we’re really focused on finding the best ways to attract the most talented people in the industry and effectively equipping our existing workforce based on what they need today and what the future will mean for their careers. We’re also committed to providing learning opportunities that lead to growth and development in the communities in which we operate. Our people are a strategic advantage. We want to ensure that continues to be the case as the mining industry evolves and faces more disruption.

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Chemical Management

Demographics are reshaping petrochemicals trade flows, investment patterns and demand

Article | July 14, 2022

TEN YEARS AGO, fellowblogger Paul Hodgesand Ifirst highlighted the leading rolethat changing demographics would play in reshaping petrochemicals supply and demand. We have been emphasising the importance of demographics ever since. Demographics have, of course, always been a critical shaper of economies throughout human history. But during the last 70 years, there have been such major changes in demographics that the study of demographics must be at the very heart of your company’s strategy. The Babyboomer generation in the West led to a surge in demand as the rapid increase in babies born in the 1950s and early 1960s joined the workforce from the 1970s onwards. This helps explain high levels of inflation during that decade because too much demand was chasing too little supply. Another driver of inflation was the Middle East embargos against oil exports to the West because of the West’s support for Israel. Then came the 1990s and first the integration of Eastern Europe into the global economy. This helped dampen inflationary pressures because of the plentiful supply of workers in the east willing to work for low wages in export-focused factories. This reduced the cost of finished goods in the West. Next came Deng Xiaoping’s critically important“southern tour”in the early 1990s and China’s gradual integration into the global economy. China increasingly leveraged its very youthful population to again make cheap goods to export to the West. Hundreds of millions of young people were willing to migrate from the countryside to China’s coastal cities to work in export-focused manufacturing plants. The world began to talk about the “China price” and how it was further depressing global inflation.

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Chemical Technology

Organic Oil Recovery improves productivity of existing reservoirs

Article | May 10, 2021

MAY 2021 ///Vol 242 No. 5 FEATURES Organic Oil Recovery improves productivity of existing reservoirs A transitional technology producing excellent results in extracting hard-to-reach oil is attracting the attention of many large operators. Ancient, resident microbes are used to liberate large oil deposits in depleted reservoirs, thanks to science uncovered by studying the humble Australian koala. Roger Findlay, Organic Oil Recovery It began in almost outlandish fashion, with a scientist’s fascination with the complex digestive system of an Australian marsupial, the koala. Today, it has evolved into a green technology that is helping major producers around the world potentially reach billions of dollars of oil that they feared they could never access or bring to the surface. As the pressure on the oil and gas industry continues to grow, to find new ways to operate with less impact on the environment, Organic Oil Recovery (OOR) is reducing the need for further exploration. Instead, it is helping producers focus on the reservoirs already in situ to extract even more precious resource—at very low cost—from deep below the ground or seas, across a myriad of jurisdictions and geographies.

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Chemical Management

Pandemic’s third wave seems unlikely to damage global petrochemicals demand

Article | July 22, 2021

BUYERS OF polypropylene (PP) and other polymers and petrochemicals have had an incredibly difficult pandemic. Firstly, the converters and brand owners expected doom and gloom last March. At the time it seemed logical to expect a cratering of demand as the global economy pretty much imploded. Just looking at forecasts for GDP, parallels were drawn with the Global Financial Crisis when collapses in growth led to a cratering of polymers demand. The US is a good example where PP demand declined by 12% in 2008 over 2007. Demand then fell by a further 5% in 2009 over 2008.But what we all missed was the complete dislocation of polymers and petrochemicals demand from GDP. As economies registered historic declines, consumption went up. PP demand went through the roof, firstly for food packaging and hygiene applications.Then consumption for the durable goods made from PP also smashed through the rafters as we bought white goods (PP is used to make components of washing machines), consumer electronics (PP is used to make some electronic components) and carpets (PP fibres are used here).

Read More
Chemical Technology

Ways Your Chemical Company Can Benefit From Digitization

Article | July 20, 2022

“At Anglo-American, we’re really focused on finding the best ways to attract the most talented people in the industry and effectively equipping our existing workforce based on what they need today and what the future will mean for their careers. We’re also committed to providing learning opportunities that lead to growth and development in the communities in which we operate. Our people are a strategic advantage. We want to ensure that continues to be the case as the mining industry evolves and faces more disruption.

Read More
Chemical Management

Key Trends in the Digital Transformation of the Chemical Industry

Article | July 14, 2022

TEN YEARS AGO, fellowblogger Paul Hodgesand Ifirst highlighted the leading rolethat changing demographics would play in reshaping petrochemicals supply and demand. We have been emphasising the importance of demographics ever since. Demographics have, of course, always been a critical shaper of economies throughout human history. But during the last 70 years, there have been such major changes in demographics that the study of demographics must be at the very heart of your company’s strategy. The Babyboomer generation in the West led to a surge in demand as the rapid increase in babies born in the 1950s and early 1960s joined the workforce from the 1970s onwards. This helps explain high levels of inflation during that decade because too much demand was chasing too little supply. Another driver of inflation was the Middle East embargos against oil exports to the West because of the West’s support for Israel. Then came the 1990s and first the integration of Eastern Europe into the global economy. This helped dampen inflationary pressures because of the plentiful supply of workers in the east willing to work for low wages in export-focused factories. This reduced the cost of finished goods in the West. Next came Deng Xiaoping’s critically important“southern tour”in the early 1990s and China’s gradual integration into the global economy. China increasingly leveraged its very youthful population to again make cheap goods to export to the West. Hundreds of millions of young people were willing to migrate from the countryside to China’s coastal cities to work in export-focused manufacturing plants. The world began to talk about the “China price” and how it was further depressing global inflation.

Read More
Chemical Technology

Organic Oil Recovery improves productivity of existing reservoirs

Article | May 10, 2021

MAY 2021 ///Vol 242 No. 5 FEATURES Organic Oil Recovery improves productivity of existing reservoirs A transitional technology producing excellent results in extracting hard-to-reach oil is attracting the attention of many large operators. Ancient, resident microbes are used to liberate large oil deposits in depleted reservoirs, thanks to science uncovered by studying the humble Australian koala. Roger Findlay, Organic Oil Recovery It began in almost outlandish fashion, with a scientist’s fascination with the complex digestive system of an Australian marsupial, the koala. Today, it has evolved into a green technology that is helping major producers around the world potentially reach billions of dollars of oil that they feared they could never access or bring to the surface. As the pressure on the oil and gas industry continues to grow, to find new ways to operate with less impact on the environment, Organic Oil Recovery (OOR) is reducing the need for further exploration. Instead, it is helping producers focus on the reservoirs already in situ to extract even more precious resource—at very low cost—from deep below the ground or seas, across a myriad of jurisdictions and geographies.

Read More
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Spotlight

Action Adhesives

Action Adhesives was founded in 1997, and since has become a leading supplier of adhesives products and solutions within Ireland and the UK. Supplying industries such as the construction, transport, furniture manufacturing, paper & packaging amongst many other market segments.

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Chemical Management

Olin - Winchester Acquires White Flyer Targets Business

prnewswire | October 03, 2023

Olin Corporation announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of White Flyer Targets, North America's preeminent leader in recreational trap, skeet, and sporting clay targets. White Flyer will be combined with the Winchester Ammunition business. The acquisition includes White Flyer's five state of the art manufacturing facilities in Coal Township, Pennsylvania; Dalton, Georgia; Webb City, Missouri; Knox, Indiana; and, San Bernardino, California and includes White Flyer's recently announced ECO FLYER® target product line. "We welcome our new White Flyer teammates," noted Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. "Together, we can enhance the continued growth of trap, skeet, sporting clays, and other shotgun sports. These two leading brands are renowned for unmatched quality and now offer increased value to our customers through comprehensive ammunition and clay target solutions for the thousands of shooting ranges across America." Olin funded the transaction with cash on hand and anticipates that the transaction will be immediately accretive to Olin's shareholders. OLIN COMPANY DESCRIPTION Olin Corporation is a leading vertically-integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. The chemical products produced include chlorine and caustic soda, vinyls, epoxies, chlorinated organics, bleach, hydrogen, and hydrochloric acid. Winchester's principal manufacturing facilities produce and distribute sporting ammunition, law enforcement ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, industrial cartridges, and clay targets.

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Chemical Management

908 Devices Enters Initial Production Phase of US Department of Defense Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector Program

businesswire | September 28, 2023

908 Devices Inc. a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announces that it has entered the initial production phase of the Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) program. The company and its partner on the project, Smiths Detection, will initially produce 122 systems in this next phase. The systems, which have been in development and testing since 2019, are a next generation chemical detector, designed to detect, identify, alarm and report the presence of traditional and advanced threat vapors and aerosols. Using a wireless remote alarm capability, the AVCAD, which can be mounted or portable, will support missions for the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. To ensure the highest level of detection and to meet the key deployment needs of the U.S. Department of Defense, the AVCAD features the company’s High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS) technology. Mass spectrometry is considered to be the gold standard of analytical lab techniques. 908 Devices’ proprietary HPMS technology leverages micro scale geometries and high frequency electronics to enable an efficient regime of vacuum operation for a significant reduction in device size and power consumption compared to conventional lab instruments. “908 Devices is pleased to continue working with the U.S. Department of Defense and our partner, Smiths Detection, on this enterprise, multi-year program,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-founder of 908 Devices. “Being selected for this limited production phase validates our technology as a new standard for chemical detection and we are truly honored to have a role in protecting our U.S. military.” About 908 Devices 908 Devices is revolutionizing chemical and biochemical analysis with its simple handheld and desktop devices, addressing critical-to-life applications. The Company’s devices are used at the point-of-need to interrogate unknown and invisible materials and provide quick, actionable answers to directly address some of the most critical problems in life sciences research, bioprocessing, pharma/biopharma, forensics and adjacent markets. The Company is headquartered in the heart of Boston, where it designs and manufactures innovative products that bring together the power of mass spectrometry, microfluidic sampling and separations, software automation, and machine learning.

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Chemical Management

Actylis Launches a New cGMP WFI Generation, Storage, and Distribution System with Additional ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Space

businesswire | September 26, 2023

Actylis, a leading global manufacturer of critical raw materials and performance ingredients for the life sciences and specialty chemicals markets, today announced the launch of Water for Injection (WFI) and additional ISO Class 7 manufacturing space at its Baie d’Urfé site in Montreal, Canada. Used for the preparation of media, buffers, and other aqueous solutions, Actylis’ WFI meets monographs for pharmacopoeias worldwide, and can be provided in both custom and standard packaging configurations. Gilles Cottier, CEO at Actylis, said: “Today we are delighted to announce the opening of this new WFI system at our Baie d’Urfé site. Investment in this new WFI generation, storage, and distribution system reflects our ongoing commitment to support our customers, and to continuously develop our range of products and services. The new system positions us to be a preferred outsource partner for our customers’ buffer solutions. We understand that capacity is often a pinch-point for our customers, and we are delighted to be able to propose this option to them.” Damien O’Rourke, SVP Manufacturing Operations at Actylis added: “Our new WFI system, redundant with our Limerick, Ireland WFI capabilities, incorporates the latest advancements in water purification technology, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that guarantees the production of WFI that meets or exceeds the most rigorous quality standards. In addition to the services this enables for our customers, the investment provides Actylis and our customers with a robust multi-site business continuity plan to ensure dependable supply.” Jean-Francois Raymond, Site Director, elaborated on some of the specifics of the system: “We are excited to have this new system here at Baie d’Urfé come on stream. The WFI system is fully qualified with all supporting validation documents, and is capable of generating and maintaining water as per required USP and PhEur/BP specifications of Water for Injection.” The new system’s strategic location in Montreal positions it as a pivotal hub for biopharmaceutical companies across North America and beyond. Its proximity to major transportation networks ensures timely distribution of WFI to manufacturers, enabling them to streamline their production processes and meet growing market demands. About Actylis Actylis is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of differentiated specialty ingredients to life sciences and specialty chemicals end markets. With business operations in ten countries, Actylis manufactures and supplies over 4,500 chemical compounds used principally by the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutritional, agricultural and specialty chemical industries. Building on a series of strategic acquisitions, Actylis has integrated their manufacturing, R&D, quality, and sourcing capabilities to create a worldwide supplier of critical raw materials that includes a robust manufacturing footprint. Its global operations include a significant presence on the ground in North America, Europe, India, and China. Actylis is well positioned to innovate new solutions, ensure quality, and customize products to meet customers’ specific needs. Its expanded capabilities and decades of global sourcing expertise are especially valuable now that supply chain management is a critical strategic issue for companies worldwide.

Read More

Chemical Management

Olin - Winchester Acquires White Flyer Targets Business

prnewswire | October 03, 2023

Olin Corporation announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of White Flyer Targets, North America's preeminent leader in recreational trap, skeet, and sporting clay targets. White Flyer will be combined with the Winchester Ammunition business. The acquisition includes White Flyer's five state of the art manufacturing facilities in Coal Township, Pennsylvania; Dalton, Georgia; Webb City, Missouri; Knox, Indiana; and, San Bernardino, California and includes White Flyer's recently announced ECO FLYER® target product line. "We welcome our new White Flyer teammates," noted Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. "Together, we can enhance the continued growth of trap, skeet, sporting clays, and other shotgun sports. These two leading brands are renowned for unmatched quality and now offer increased value to our customers through comprehensive ammunition and clay target solutions for the thousands of shooting ranges across America." Olin funded the transaction with cash on hand and anticipates that the transaction will be immediately accretive to Olin's shareholders. OLIN COMPANY DESCRIPTION Olin Corporation is a leading vertically-integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. The chemical products produced include chlorine and caustic soda, vinyls, epoxies, chlorinated organics, bleach, hydrogen, and hydrochloric acid. Winchester's principal manufacturing facilities produce and distribute sporting ammunition, law enforcement ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, industrial cartridges, and clay targets.

Read More

Chemical Management

908 Devices Enters Initial Production Phase of US Department of Defense Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector Program

businesswire | September 28, 2023

908 Devices Inc. a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announces that it has entered the initial production phase of the Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) program. The company and its partner on the project, Smiths Detection, will initially produce 122 systems in this next phase. The systems, which have been in development and testing since 2019, are a next generation chemical detector, designed to detect, identify, alarm and report the presence of traditional and advanced threat vapors and aerosols. Using a wireless remote alarm capability, the AVCAD, which can be mounted or portable, will support missions for the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. To ensure the highest level of detection and to meet the key deployment needs of the U.S. Department of Defense, the AVCAD features the company’s High Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS) technology. Mass spectrometry is considered to be the gold standard of analytical lab techniques. 908 Devices’ proprietary HPMS technology leverages micro scale geometries and high frequency electronics to enable an efficient regime of vacuum operation for a significant reduction in device size and power consumption compared to conventional lab instruments. “908 Devices is pleased to continue working with the U.S. Department of Defense and our partner, Smiths Detection, on this enterprise, multi-year program,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-founder of 908 Devices. “Being selected for this limited production phase validates our technology as a new standard for chemical detection and we are truly honored to have a role in protecting our U.S. military.” About 908 Devices 908 Devices is revolutionizing chemical and biochemical analysis with its simple handheld and desktop devices, addressing critical-to-life applications. The Company’s devices are used at the point-of-need to interrogate unknown and invisible materials and provide quick, actionable answers to directly address some of the most critical problems in life sciences research, bioprocessing, pharma/biopharma, forensics and adjacent markets. The Company is headquartered in the heart of Boston, where it designs and manufactures innovative products that bring together the power of mass spectrometry, microfluidic sampling and separations, software automation, and machine learning.

Read More

Chemical Management

Actylis Launches a New cGMP WFI Generation, Storage, and Distribution System with Additional ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Space

businesswire | September 26, 2023

Actylis, a leading global manufacturer of critical raw materials and performance ingredients for the life sciences and specialty chemicals markets, today announced the launch of Water for Injection (WFI) and additional ISO Class 7 manufacturing space at its Baie d’Urfé site in Montreal, Canada. Used for the preparation of media, buffers, and other aqueous solutions, Actylis’ WFI meets monographs for pharmacopoeias worldwide, and can be provided in both custom and standard packaging configurations. Gilles Cottier, CEO at Actylis, said: “Today we are delighted to announce the opening of this new WFI system at our Baie d’Urfé site. Investment in this new WFI generation, storage, and distribution system reflects our ongoing commitment to support our customers, and to continuously develop our range of products and services. The new system positions us to be a preferred outsource partner for our customers’ buffer solutions. We understand that capacity is often a pinch-point for our customers, and we are delighted to be able to propose this option to them.” Damien O’Rourke, SVP Manufacturing Operations at Actylis added: “Our new WFI system, redundant with our Limerick, Ireland WFI capabilities, incorporates the latest advancements in water purification technology, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that guarantees the production of WFI that meets or exceeds the most rigorous quality standards. In addition to the services this enables for our customers, the investment provides Actylis and our customers with a robust multi-site business continuity plan to ensure dependable supply.” Jean-Francois Raymond, Site Director, elaborated on some of the specifics of the system: “We are excited to have this new system here at Baie d’Urfé come on stream. The WFI system is fully qualified with all supporting validation documents, and is capable of generating and maintaining water as per required USP and PhEur/BP specifications of Water for Injection.” The new system’s strategic location in Montreal positions it as a pivotal hub for biopharmaceutical companies across North America and beyond. Its proximity to major transportation networks ensures timely distribution of WFI to manufacturers, enabling them to streamline their production processes and meet growing market demands. About Actylis Actylis is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of differentiated specialty ingredients to life sciences and specialty chemicals end markets. With business operations in ten countries, Actylis manufactures and supplies over 4,500 chemical compounds used principally by the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutritional, agricultural and specialty chemical industries. Building on a series of strategic acquisitions, Actylis has integrated their manufacturing, R&D, quality, and sourcing capabilities to create a worldwide supplier of critical raw materials that includes a robust manufacturing footprint. Its global operations include a significant presence on the ground in North America, Europe, India, and China. Actylis is well positioned to innovate new solutions, ensure quality, and customize products to meet customers’ specific needs. Its expanded capabilities and decades of global sourcing expertise are especially valuable now that supply chain management is a critical strategic issue for companies worldwide.

Read More

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