Adani Group Plans India's Largest Chlor-Alkali Project with Nuberg EPC

Nuberg EPC has secured a contract to construct India's largest Chlor-Alkali project for Mundra Petrochemical Ltd. (MPL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, with a capacity of 2200 ton/d. Located in Gujarat, the project aims to produce essential chemicals like Caustic Soda for MPL's Green PVC Project. The 15-month project encompasses full EPCM services, ensuring quality and efficiency. This endeavor signifies India's industrial progress and Nuberg EPC's commitment to driving it forward, leveraging their expertise in Chlor-Alkali production. The project underscores MPL's strategic expansion plans and the Adani Group's dedication to innovation and sustainability.

Image Credit: India Television

Chandra Asri Group's Renewable Energy Endeavor to Power Its Caustic Soda and Ethylene Dichloride Plant in Indonesia

PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk partners with Perum Jasa Tirta II to explore renewable energy options for their CA-EDC plant in Indonesia, aiming to align with the country's Net Zero Emissions target by 2060. The collaboration focuses on feasibility studies for Solar and Hydro Power Plants to meet the plant's increasing electricity demand, set to reach 340 MW by 2026. Chandra Asri Group emphasizes sustainability, viewing the partnership as crucial for operating the CA-EDC plant with green energy. The plant's construction, with an annual production capacity exceeding 400,000 tons of Caustic Soda and 500,000 tons of Ethylene Dichloride, will bolster Indonesia's chemical industry and contribute to the global electric vehicle supply chain.

Image Credit: Valve World

Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd Pursues Carbon Neutrality with EY-Parthenon Partnership

Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd, a Chennai-based industrial chemicals manufacturer, has enlisted EY-Parthenon to aid in its carbon-neutral objectives. They plan to develop a roadmap for emission reduction, focusing on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with interventions like clean energy substitution and process efficiency. The collaboration underscores their commitment to sustainability, aligning with Science-Based Targets. Vice-Chairman Ashwin Muthiah emphasizes their proactive stance towards climate objectives. EY-Parthenon aims to assist in reaching emission reduction targets while fostering industry-wide change. TPL, a 40-year-old company producing caustic soda among other chemicals, prioritizes environmental stewardship through this partnership with EY-Parthenon.

Image Credit: Science News Explores

Europe's First Green Ethyl Acetate Plant

CropEnergies is pioneering Europe's first green ethyl acetate production plant in Germany. Utilizing sustainable ethanol, the facility at Zeitz Chemical and Industrial Park will slash fossil carbon emissions, promoting chemical industry sustainability. Valued at 120-130 million euros, the investment promises heightened supply security and reduced environmental impact. Scheduled for completion by late 2025, the venture anticipates generating approximately 50 skilled jobs, fostering economic growth in the Burgenland district. This initiative marks CropEnergies' foray into bio-based chemicals, signaling a significant stride towards a greener future for ethyl acetate production in Europe.

Image Credit: Bioenergy International

Turkey Launches Safeguard Investigation on Ethyl Acetate Imports

Turkey has launched a safeguard investigation on ethyl acetate, notifying the WTO's Committee on Safeguards. Commencing on April 6, 2024, the investigation aims to assess whether increased ethyl acetate imports are causing or could cause serious harm to Turkey's domestic industry. Stakeholders, including importers and exporters, can present evidence during the investigation process. If deemed necessary, temporary import restrictions may be imposed. Ethyl acetate is widely used in industries such as paints and adhesives. The Directorate General for Imports, Department of Safeguards, in Ankara, oversees the investigation, with inquiries directed to the Ministry of Trade.

Evonik Introduces Carbon-Neutral Hydrogen Peroxide in Europe

Evonik launches carbon-neutral hydrogen peroxide in Europe, accompanied by "Way to GO2" certificates, aligning with its sustainability strategy. The initiative offers customers high-quality H2O2 while reducing Scope 3 emissions in their value chains. Independently audited by TÜV Rheinland, Evonik's approach ensures credibility. Global beauty leader Wella Company adopts Evonik's certified hydrogen peroxide, showcasing commitment to environmental sustainability. Evonik's Active Oxygens business line leads the transformation to climate-neutral production, employing renewable energy and green hydrogen. Hydrogen peroxide's downstream application enhances process sustainability, as it naturally decomposes into water and oxygen. Evonik's introduction signifies a significant stride towards sustainability in the European market.

Image Credit: Evonik Industries

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Increasing Hydrogen Peroxide Production Capacity at Texas Plant

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) is ramping up its production capacity for ultrapure hydrogen peroxide and ammonium hydroxide, vital cleaning agents in semiconductor manufacturing. With an eye on the surging demand from local chip fabrication plants, MGC is expanding its facility in Killeen, Texas, and a similar one in Oregon. The move underscores MGC's commitment to meet market demands and solidify its position as the largest North American supplier of these critical electronic chemicals. Additionally, MGC is diversifying into other functional chemicals essential in semiconductor production, further consolidating its global market dominance.

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Evonik's Canadian Plant Sale Ensures Market Competition in Hydrogen Peroxide Sector

Evonik Industries, a German specialty chemicals maker, has agreed to sell its Prince George plant in Canada to address concerns from the Canadian Competition Bureau regarding its proposed acquisition of US-based PeroxyChem. The sale aims to maintain competitive rivalry in the hydrogen peroxide market, avoiding a monopoly situation. Hydrogen peroxide is crucial in various sectors like pulp and paper, oil, gas, and mining. The Competition Bureau has approved the sale of the plant to United Initiators, a German chemicals manufacturer, ensuring continued market competition. This move reflects the significance of regional manufacturing in the hydrogen peroxide industry to minimize transportation costs.

Image Credit: Evonik Industries

EPA Finalize the Ban on Methylene Chloride

In the USA, the EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride due to its severe health risks, including cancer and death. The rule, under the Toxic Substances Control Act, aims to protect workers and consumers while allowing critical industrial uses to continue with strict safety measures. This ban follows advocacy efforts and addresses long-standing concerns about the chemical's dangers. Despite exemptions for certain essential purposes, like refrigerant production and military use, the rule introduces comprehensive worker protection programs. This development will significantly impact the methylene dichloride market in the USA.

Image Credit: ABC News

Orion Sells Stake in Sweetwater Royalties, Spotlight on Soda Ash Market Growth

Orion Resources Partners has sold an 8% stake in Sweetwater Royalties to a Canadian pension fund for $100 million, valuing the royalty firm at $1.9 billion. Sweetwater, established in 2020, manages a vast trona deposit in Wyoming, USA, producing soda ash, vital in various industrial applications, including glass manufacturing. With over $280 million in royalty payments and partnerships for renewable energy projects, Sweetwater shows promising growth potential. Orion's CEO highlights Sweetwater's control over 90% of the world's trona resources, emphasizing long-term growth prospects. Sweetwater's focus on sustainability aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly soda ash.

Image Credit: Cowboy State Daily

Singapore's Plan to Coat Buildings May Improve TiO2 Demand

Singapore plans to combat urban heat by coating buildings in Bukit Batok and Sin Ming with reflective paint, potentially reducing temperatures by up to 2°C. Inspired by NTU's 2018–2019 trial, where painted buildings were 2°C cooler, this initiative aims to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The paint, containing titanium dioxide, reflects sunlight, reducing heat absorption. NTU is developing a more efficient paint using barium sulfate pigment to reflect more heat. Besides cooling cities, cool paint lowers air-conditioning energy consumption. While costlier, wider adoption may be encouraged with regulations and economies of scale, focusing on building facades initially. This will lead to an increase in titanium dioxide and other relevant paint ingredients in Singapore in the coming time.

Image Credit: The Independent Singapore News

Innomost Introduced Betuinno: Replacement for Titanium Dioxide in Cosmetics Industry

Innomost, a Finnish startup, unveils Betuinno. Betulin, a sustainable replacement for titanium dioxide in beauty products. Derived from upcycled Nordic birch bark, it's biodegradable, non-toxic, and matches the whiteness of synthetic pigments. With anti-inflammatory properties, it's suitable for various applications including cosmetics and sunscreens. Backed by €1.4M in funding from Metsä Spring and Innovestor, Innomost aims for global expansion. Clients like Lumene applaud its circular beauty initiatives, emphasizing sustainability and safety. The launch marks a significant step in reducing environmental impact while meeting consumer demands for transparency and eco-friendly products.

Image Credit: Global Cosmetics Industry

DCA Raid Uncovers Illegally Manufactured White Petroleum Jelly

The Telangana State Drugs Control Administration (DCA) raided a medical store in Hyderabad (India) and seized 'Pureline' white petroleum jelly, illegally manufactured by Jubilant Cosmeceuticals without proper authorization. The product lacked labeling compliance and was considered misbranded, posing serious health risks due to non compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and quality standards. The raid aimed to enforce regulations outlined in the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) to ensure consumer safety. The DCA emphasized the importance of adhering to drug licensing requirements and proper labeling to prevent the circulation of unregulated and potentially harmful products in the market.

Image Credit: Deccan Chronicle

WHO Urges Stringent Raw Material Sourcing Due to Toxic Contamination in Cough Syrup

The WHO issued an advisory urging global oral liquid medication manufacturer to source raw materials from approved suppliers after toxic impurities were found in cough syrup ingredients in Pakistan. Propylene glycol, a common excipient in cough syrups, was contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, potentially due to fraudulent labeling. Investigations revealed widespread distribution of these impurities, leading to fatalities in multiple countries. The WHO warns of severe health risks, especially in children, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and acute kidney injury. Manufacturers must adhere to strict quality standards to prevent further harm.

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

Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylates

Nonyl phenol ethoxylates's prices in the Indian market are on the higher side due to the elevated costs of nonyl phenol and ethylene oxide. Maintenance work at prominent domestic nonyl phenol and ethylene oxide manufacturing plants further contribute to this trend. Additionally, increased freight prices, particularly from imports originating in Taiwan, compound the situation. These factors collectively drive prices up, presenting challenges for industry stakeholders. Keep an eye on ethylene oxide prices as well, which are also influenced by maintenance work at a major Indian EO manufacturer's plant, exacerbating the pricing pressure. This situation is expected to remain the same for the whole month of May.

CAPB

CAPB prices in the Indian market are expected to remain high, driven by the rising costs of its upstream chemical, lauric acid. Tighter palm oil supply globally contributes to this increase. This situation is projected to persist until the end of June.

Methylene Chloride

Prices for methylene chloride have significantly decreased in the Indian market. Presently, MDC prices stand at 435-450 USD FOB India, compared to the previous range of 460-470 USD FOB India. This downward trend is projected to persist throughout May.

Soda Ash and Sodium Bicarbonate

The price hikes are expected for sodium bicarbonate and soda ash in the Indian market as the largest manufacturer of these chemicals in India, TATA Chemicals, undergoes plant maintenance until May 21st. This temporary shutdown disrupts supply chains, leading to anticipated price increases.

• Elchemy proudly showcased its innovation and leadership at Chemexpo 2024, India's premier chemical industry exhibition. As exhibitors among 500 top Indian companies, we demonstrated our commitment to tech-enabled distribution solutions. Hundreds visited our booth, engaging with our team and witnessing firsthand our dedication to excellence. Our participation not only strengthened industry connections but also underscored Elchemy's pivotal role in shaping the future of chemical distribution in India.

• In April, Elchemy achieved a significant milestone with our shipment of Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate (OMC) to Europe. OMC, a key ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics, underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality chemicals essential for personal care industry. Additionally, we continue to expand our UV filter portfolio using our custom manufacturing capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of UV filters to meet our client needs. For inquiries or orders, reach out to our dedicated team at ankit.singh@elchemy.com.