DCM Shriram Commissions India's Largest Caustic Soda Facility in Gujarat

DCM Shriram Ltd has commissioned its Caustic Soda Expansion Project at Jhagadia, Gujarat, adding 850 Tons Per Day (TPD) to its chemical complex. This increases the company's total installed capacity to 2,225 TPD in Bharuch alone, making it the largest caustic soda facility in India. With this, the annual caustic soda capacity across Bharuch and Kota now stands at 1 million metric tons annually. DCM Shriram is bullish on the long-term growth and profitability of its chlor-alkali segment, closely tied to India's GDP growth. Additionally, the company is advancing projects in hydrogen peroxide and epichlorohydrin at the same location, further enhancing its business performance and growth.

Image Credit: DCM Shriram Ltd

India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Pentaerythritol Imports

The Indian Finance Ministry has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on Pentaerythritol imports from China, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan for five years unless modified earlier. This decision follows a petition by Kanoria Chemicals & Industries and recommendations by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The duties are set at $345.15 per tonne for China, $300.15 per tonne for Saudi Arabia, and $499.01 per tonne for Taiwan. Pentaerythritol, an organic compound, is used in various industries including surface coatings, alkyl resins, plasticizers, printing inks, synthetic rubber, plastic stabilizers, detonators, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic lubricants. The imposition of these duties is expected to protect and boost the Indian Domestic Pentaerythritol market, fostering fair competition and supporting domestic producers.

China Again Extends US Tariff Exclusion for Sorbitol

China has once again extended its Section 301 retaliatory tariff exclusion period for sorbitol and other non-U.S. agricultural products, as reported by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. The extension now stretches until November 30. This marks the seventh extension for sorbitol tariff by China. The U.S. ranked as the third-largest sorbitol supplier to China in 2023, with imports valued at $1.2 million. This decision may influence sorbitol market dynamics, potentially affecting prices and trade volumes.

Image Credit: Medical Buyer

Godavari Biorefineries Expands with New Specialty Chemicals Plant in Sakharwadi, Maharashtra

Godavari Biorefineries Ltd (GBL) has inaugurated a cutting-edge specialty chemicals plant in Sakharwadi, Maharashtra, which has been operational for over a year. This move enhances GBL’s bio-specialty chemicals division, aiming to reduce import dependence and boost export opportunities. A standout product, ethyl vinyl ether (EVE), is derived from ethanol and acetaldehyde sourced from biomass, making it environmentally friendly. EVE has applications in agrochemicals, aroma chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and lube oil additives. GBL is shifting focus from basic to higher-value bio-based chemicals like acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate. The company seeks strategic global partnerships to promote product adoption and sustainability, leveraging biomass in biochemicals and biofuels.

Image Credit: Godavari Biorefineries Ltd

Tara Gum: Natural Substitute for Guar Gum in Food Industry

Tara gum emerges as a compelling alternative to guar gum, boasting similar properties within the galactomannan family. Its smooth flow and texture surpass guar gum, avoiding stringiness and sliminess. When combined with Xanthan gum or carrageenan, it forms a soft gel structure. Notably, tara gum is odorless, tasteless, and offers superior flavor release compared to guar gum. Its addition to gels enhances elasticity and water retention, improving shelf stability. Tara gum also enhances freeze-thaw stability in products like ice cream by preventing ice crystal formation. This natural alternative presents promising advantages across various applications.

CASPR Technologies Launches HVAC Division to Extend Disinfection Technology

CASPR (Continuous Air and Surface Pathogen Reduction) Technologies introduces its new HVAC division, aiming to expand its disinfection technology reach across various industries. Using safe levels of gaseous hydrogen peroxide, CASPR's natural catalytic converter technology continuously disinfects air and surfaces, enhancing protection against viruses and bacteria. This technology not only ensures safer and healthier indoor environments but also reduces energy consumption and boosts productivity. With

successful deployments across the United States, the new division aims to further extend CASPR's impact by collaborating with engineers, specifiers, and manufacturing representatives.

EPA Restricts Methylene Chloride for Decaffeination

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule restricting the use of methylene chloride, a highly toxic chemical used in the decaffeination process, due to its carcinogenic properties. Despite being banned for paint stripping in 2019, it continued to be used for decaffeinating coffee. This decision follows advocacy group lobbying, pushing for safer alternatives. The European Method of Decaffeination, utilizing methylene chloride, faces scrutiny, with calls for its ban due to health concerns. Other methods like CO2 and Swiss Water, deemed safer, are gaining traction. However, the coffee industry claims they are less effective and more costly. The EPA's restriction on methylene chloride for decaffeination purposes is likely to impact the methylene chloride market.

Image Credit: Center for Science in the Public Interest

DBK and Foreign Banks Collaborate to Finance Kazakhstan's New Soda Ash Plant

The Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), along with foreign banks and insurers, has signed an inter-creditor agreement to finance the construction of a soda ash production plant in the Zhambyl region, Kazakhstan. This marks DBK's first syndicated financing using foreign banks. The project's total cost is around 207 billion tenge, with DBK's participation at 12 billion tenge. The plant, set to produce 500 thousand tons annually, aims to meet the demand in various industries, including metallurgical, chemical, and glass. It will reduce reliance on imports, strengthen domestic raw material security, and create 255 permanent jobs in the region, with further employment opportunities through contractor companies.

Image Credit: Development Bank of Kazakhstan

Petrokimia Gresik's Strategic Plan to Reduce Indonesian Soda Ash Import

Petrokimia Gresik is strategizing to mitigate the effects of the European war on global fertilizer supply and prices by establishing a fertilizer factory in Jordan. Additionally, the company intends to build a soda ash factory with a capacity of 300,000 tons per year to reduce Indonesia's reliance on imported soda ash, currently at 1 million tons annually. Furthermore, Petrokimia Gresik plans to upgrade its facilities to a green surfactant factory, aiming to boost productivity in the oil and gas sector. These initiatives have helped Petrokimia Gresik to underscore their dedication to strengthening the Indonesian chemical industry.

Image Credit: Petrokimia gresik

Zimbabwe Regulators Act to Prevent Toxic Contaminants in Pharmaceuticals

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a circular addressing concerns over the contamination of oral liquid pharmaceuticals with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). Highlighting the toxicity of these substances, the circular emphasizes the need for stringent quality control measures to prevent contamination. It references cases of poisoning and fatalities worldwide due to contaminated medicines, especially affecting children. The circular outlines root causes of contamination, including insufficient quality control testing and the use of industrial-grade starting materials. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are instructed to conduct rigorous testing of high-risk starting materials and finished products, implement preventive measures, and trace supply chains to ensure product safety and compliance with regulations.

California Assembly Advances Bill to Ban Harmful Food Additives in Schools

The California Assembly's recent action on AB 2316 aims to safeguard children in public schools by prohibiting harmful food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2, along with titanium dioxide, which has been linked to DNA damage and immune system harm. The bill follows previous legislation addressing food safety issues. Despite concerns over potential impacts on food manufacturers, supporters emphasize the importance of protecting children's health and learning. The move aligns with growing awareness of chemical risks in food, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. Consumer and environmental groups advocate for stricter regulations amid perceived FDA inadequacies in addressing food additives.

Image Credit: Fox News

Chemours Temporarily Halt Titanium Dioxide Production Amid Mexico Drought

Due to a severe drought in Mexico, The Chemours Company has temporarily halted titanium dioxide production at its Altamira facility to conserve water for surrounding communities. This decision, made in compliance with government requests, impacts the company's ability to predict the duration of this pause. This move highlights the complex interplay between industrial activities and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of responsible resource management in manufacturing processes. The pause in production may affect the titanium dioxide market, potentially leading to short-term supply disruptions and influencing prices as demand remains steady.

The current trends in price and volume of Indian exports for our top products.

SLES & Other Ethoxylated Products

The prices of Indian Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and other ethoxylated products, particularly surfactants, are anticipated to remain high. This is a result of the ethylene oxide (EO) shortage due to stalled operations of Reliance EO unit. The EO supply disruption stems from maintenance work at Reliance Industries' EO plant, the prime EO manufacturer in India.

CAPB

The prices of Cocamido propyl Betaine (CAPB) are expected to remain stable throughout June 2024.

Sorbitol & Maize Starch

The prices of Sorbitol and Maize Starch are expected to continue rising due to an increase in corn prices in the Indian domestic market. Corn is a critical upstream raw material for these chemicals.

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