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.