 |
|
|
ACC Publishes Latest Responsible
Care® Performance Data
The American Chemistry Council recently released the latest
Responsible Care performance metrics for its supply chain
Partners. The results were published on the Council’s
Responsible Care website which provides public access to both
industry-wide and company-specific information in such areas as
security, safety, energy, environment and product safety.
Created in 1993, the Responsible Care Partnership Program
provides opportunities for those companies not eligible for ACC
membership yet still engaged in the transportation, storage, use
or treatment of chemicals. There are currently 73 partner
companies. Through the Program, participating companies commit
to uphold the same obligations and Responsible Care practices as
other ACC member companies. Such practices include
implementation of a Responsible Care Management System®, having
it certified by an accredited auditing firm, and meeting
Security Code Requirements with public reporting of performance.
Partners share their performance data and it is placed on the
website alongside other ACC members.
The Responsible Care website contains historic data,
illustrating how both Responsible Care companies and the
industry have performed over time. Data recently published
indicates that there have been changes for the better in both
safety and fuel efficiency. Included in the improvements were a
reduction in recordable accidents, increased rail sector fuel
efficiency and assurance of adequate emergency response training
within supply chain critical links. The data represents
important indicators of each company’s progress as well as
performance trends across the industry. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why is Outer Space Black?
Scientists have pondered the
mysteries of outer space for many centuries. Outer space
contains a multitude of bright, shining stars. The
earth’s very own Sun is one of them. And while it is
very big and very bright, it is far from being the
largest or brightest star in the galaxy. Even with the
countless number of stars and the light they provide,
space still appears pitch black.
Day and night and night serve as reference points for
dark and light here on Earth. Daylight is a condition of
the brightness of the Sun’s rays. Those rays hit the
layer of gases, moisture and particles that compose the
Earth’s atmosphere. Light is both refracted and
reflected when it passes through the atmosphere and
light is scattered, illuminating the surroundings and
allowing us to see the world. At night, when the Earth
faces away from the Sun, there is no bright source of
light to be scattered, so space looks black.
In space, the mix of hydrogen and helium atoms along
with cosmic dust results in a very low gas molecule
density. Thanks to these near-vacuum conditions, light
travels without refraction or reflection. Because the
light is moving in essentially a straight line, the eye
only sees the spots of light, not the surrounding
illumination. Light has no place to scatter and there
are no colors to see, so outer space looks black.
Furthermore, our skies are not brightly lit with the
visible light of all the stars because the wavelength of
the light is made longer (and more red) when the light
source is moving away from you. As the light from stars
that are moving away shift towards red, they may become
no longer visible at all and our experience that it is
black.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Solae Introduces New Soy Fiber Ingredient
In conjunction with the 20th Annual
Tortilla Industry Association Convention and Trade
Exposition, Solae, LLC has introduced a new soy fiber
ingredient for tortillas and flatbreads. Fibrim® 1270 is
a complex blend of insoluble fiber, soluble fiber and
protein and is processed for no flavor impact, excellent
water absorption and consistent functionality.
The company’s extensive research on Fibrim® 1270 yielded
evidence of its benefits. The new ingredient provides a
complete natural moisture management system, resulting
in increased yield, extended shelf life, enhanced
binding and blending, improved microwave-ability,
increased freeze-thaw stability, and reduced stickiness
and tortilla cracking and hardening. When added to
standard recipes, Fibrim® 1270 is a functional and
economical nutritional solution; producing overall
formulation cost savings as well as an enhanced overall
sensory experience. As a source of soy fiber, Fibrim®
1270 meets consumer needs for foods that provide health
benefits such as improved digestive and heart health,
healthy glucose response and a lower glycemic index.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cytec and Mitsubishi Rayon
Announce Collaboration
Cytec Engineered Materials (CEM), a business unit of
Cytec Industries, Inc. and Mitsubishi Rayon, Co., Ltd. (MRC)
has entered into a strategic business collaboration.
Under the agreement, the companies will combine their
leading resin and fiber capabilities for selected
high-performance carbon composites applications in the
structural materials aerospace market, providing the
industry technologically advanced composite materials.
As aerospace manufacturers hope to lower weight and
improve fuel efficiency in next-generation aircraft, the
composite content of them is expected to grow. MRC is a
leading supplier of carbon fibers while CEM has the
broadest worldwide aerospace composite materials
portfolio. The partnership has helped both companies
further improve their technological capabilities to meet
the requirements of aerospace industry customers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CalciTech Establishes
European Subsidiary
CalciTech Ltd. has restructured its European
operations. The company has formed a new wholly- owned
subsidiary of CalciTech Synthetic Materials Ltd.
CalciTech Synthetic Minerals Europe Ltd. is now
registered in Wales and England and is structured as a
European principal operating company to assist the entry
of industrial partners into projects being discussed
within the European Union. The German branch office of
the company will be responsible for the research
laboratory as well as a small scale plant in Leuna.
|
|
|
GMP
Grants Continued Certification to Cyanotech Corporation
Cyanotech
Corporation announced its recertification by the Natural
Products Association’s (NPA) Good Manufacturing
Practices program, a recognition it first received in
September, 2007. A world leader in microalgae-based,
high-value nutrition and health products, Cyanotech was
the first microalgae company in the world to receive ISO
9001:2000 certification. Ensuring that manufacturers of
natural products comply with FDA regulations, NPA
conducts audit inspections for Dietary Supplement GMP
approvals. GMP certification validates Cyanotech’s
reputation for producing quality products such as
Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and Astaxanthin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Airgas AiRx™ Receives API
Certification
Pennsylvania-based Airgas, Inc. has received
certification from the American Petroleum Institute
(API) for its AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid. AiRx™ is
marketed through the company’s Airgas Specialty
Products.
Diesel exhaust fluid ( DEF) is used in Selective
Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful
diesel exhaust pollutants. API certification confirms
distributors’ and manufacturers’ compliance with
industry standards and that the DEF meets quality
standards. To meet the 2010 clean air regulations, many
diesel truck manufacturers are using SCR technology in
their new models. DEF is injected into the exhaust
stream to break down the harmful nitrogen oxides into
inert water and nitrogen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arkema Announces Managing
Director
Arkema announced the appointment of Phillippe Chartres
as Managing Director of the Thiochemicals business unit.
Effective September 1, 2009, the 60-year-old Chartres
replaced Arnaud d'Aramon, who retired. Mr. Chartres
joined Arkema as Managing Director of MLPC
International, a subsidiary of Arkema, in April, 2004.
MLPC produces chemical and agrochemical intermediates,
as well as additives for rubber and adhesives. Before
beginning his career with Arkema, Mr. Chartres graduated
from the Paris Ecole Superieure de Physique et Chimie
Industrielles and held positions at the CDF Chimie
Mazingarbe plant, the Italian subsidiary of CDF Chimie,
Orkem, and was appointed Head of Department at Cray
Valley in France.
Hovione Appoints Lambe to
Board of Directors
Terry Lambe,
Ph.D., has been appointed to Hovione Ltd.’s Board of
Directors. In addition to this role, Lambe is part of
Hovione’s Manufacturing Committee that devises the
long-term production strategy of the company. Previous
to joining Hovione, Dr. Lambe spent 30 years at Pfizer
Inc. before retiring in 2008. He was responsible for the
construction of several API facilities, including Puerto
Rico, Connecticut, Groton, and Singapore.
Over the course of his time with Pfizer, Dr. Lambe held
positions of increasing responsibility, including Vice
President of Global Drug Substance in 1999 and Team
Leader/Vice President of the Ireland and Singapore
Manufacturing area in 2000 – a position he held until
2008. He was awarded the Bio-Link USA – Ireland Life
Science Award in 2004 for his contribution to the
pharmaceutical industry.
Dellinger Joins PPG
Industries
Robert J. Dellinger joined PPG Industries as senior vice
president, finance, and chief financial officer
designate, effective September 8, 2009. Full CFO
responsibilities will be assumed October 15, 2009. Until
then, William H. Hernandez will continue in that
capacity.
Before joining PPG, Mr. Dellinger held several positions
with General Electric Company (GE) over a 19-year
period, including CFO. In 2000, the 49-year-old
Dellinger was appointed president and CEO of GE Frankona
Re out of Munich, Germany. In 2002, he left GE to spend
three years as executive vice president and CFO for
Sprint Corporation followed by three years as executive
vice president and CFO at Delphi Corporation.
Innospec Makes Key Appointment
International specialty chemicals
company, Innospec, Inc. has appointed David Williams as
Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance
Officer. Mr. Williams will be based in the company’s
Littleton, Colorado office and will lead the already-
established Compliance Program, overseeing its
operations as well as developing it further to comply
with the legal framework in which the company’s
businesses operate. With over 25 years’ experience as a
lawyer, Mr. Williams joins Innospec from MarkWest Energy
Partners, L.P. where his responsibilities included
diverse legal matters and he also served as FERC
Compliance Officer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Acquires Outstanding Shares of Medarex
Medarex, Inc. has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company as the result of a $2.5
billion acquisition. Bristol-Myers Squibb, a global
biopharmaceutical company, acquired all remaining
outstanding shares of Medarex common stock by “short
form merger” for $16.00 per share.
The cash tender offer initiated on July 28, 2009,
expired on August 26, 2009, followed by a subsequent
offer which expired on August 31, 2009. At that time,
Medarex shareholders had tendered approximately
120,417,467 shares of common stock, Bristol-Myers Squibb
owned an additional 2,879,223 shares, together
representing approximately 90.7% of Medarex’ outstanding
shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Croda Europe Shuts Down
Tallow Fatty Acid Plant
A permanent shut down of Croda Europe’s tallow fatty
acid plant in Merseyside, UK is planned for the end of
September. Citing “economical” reasons, the company
reports the shutdown is expected to primarily affect the
United Kingdom. Tallow-based stearic and oleic acid are
produced at the plant at a rate of 80,000-90,000 tonnes/year.
However, output in recent years had been reduced to
30,000-50,000 tonnes/year, which represents 8-9% of the
European market. Croda has had a competitive advantage
over European fatty acid producers because unlike non-UK
producers, cost of freight is not included in its
prices. United Kingdom consumers will now be forced to
import material at a higher cost, having an indirect
affect on the European market. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dow Sells Zeeland Crude Oil
Refinery
Dow Chemical Company sold its interests in Total
Raffinaderij Nederland N.V. (TRN), a crude oil refinery
located in the Zeeland region of The Netherlands, to Total
S.A. The transaction, worth an enterprise value of
approximately $800 million, received regulatory approval
last month. Dow’s divesture of TRN was intended to increase
the company’s financial flexibility, pay down debt, and
improve its cash flow. With 150 manufacturing sites in 35
countries, Dow saw annual sales of $57.5 billion in 2008 and
employed 46,000 worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucite
to Shut Down Acrylonitrile Unit
Weak demand
requires Lucite to shut down its acrylonitrile (ACN)
plant in Beaumont, Texas. The plant was acquired from
DuPont in 2005.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a by-product of making ACN, will
be produced in Beaumont as needed. HCN is produced by
Lucite as feedstock for its methyl methacrylate (MMA)
production plant in Memphis, Tennessee.
MMA is used in the production of appliances,
electronics, coatings, adhesives, and countertops. Due
to weak demand, the MMA portion of the plant had not
been operating all year, but is expected to reopen next
year. In the meantime, sales of MMA will be maintained
through global supply.
|
|
|
|
MarkWest Energy Partners
Sells Steam Methane Reformer
MarkWest Energy Partners closed the sale of its steam
methane reformer (SMR) facility to Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc. for approximately $73.1 million.
Proceeds will be used to pay down revolving credit and
to fund growth capital initiatives. The SMR facility is
being constructed in Corpus Christi, Texas, at its
Javelina processing plant.
Air Products will complete the SMR construction as part
of the purchase and sale agreement. The facility is
expected to be on-line in March 2010. In addition, Air
Products will supply MarkWest with hydrogen and steam as
part of a long-term supply agreement. The hydrogen
produced by the SMR facility and the Javelina plant will
be sold to existing refinery customers of MarkWest. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clariant Wins Major Contract
and Opens China Production Facility
Specialty chemical leader Clariant recently opened a
fully-operational surfactants production facility in
Zhenjiang, Eastern China. The state-of-the- art, 50,000
square meter facility has a capacity of 22,000 tonnes
per annum. It was designed to meet the country’s
increasing need for surfactants from various sectors
including personal care, paints and coatings and metal
working industries. It will complement Clariant’s
existing manufacturing capabilities in the country and
is part of a $100 million investment program made in the
last 18 months.
Earlier this month, Clariant Oil Services, a division of
Clariant Chemical (China) Ltd. won a three-year contract
worth $20 million awarded by ConocoPhillips China Ltd.
Clariant Oil will provide a range of integrated services
for operations at the Peng Lai 19-3 oil field at Bohai
Bay in northern China. Through close collaboration with
ConocoPhillips, Clariant will provide optimization and
performance management, technical support for both
onshore and offshore services, contractor HSE management
and chemical stock management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() |
Theravance Receives FDA
Approval for Vibativ
Theravance Inc. has won FDA approval for its first
development-to-approval drug. Telavancin will be
marketed for 3 years as Vibativ by Theravance’s partner,
Astellas Pharma. The once-a-day injection will treat
adults with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
– the superbug MRSA – which is currently treated with
but becoming resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin.
Japan-based Astellas will pay $20 million to the
12-year-old, 200-employee Theravance as a result of the
FDA approval of Vibativ, which validates the drug
discovery and development strategies of Theravance.
Theravance is also seeking approval of Televancin’s use
against hospital-acquired pneumonia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hovione’s Inhaler
Successfully Delivers in Phase III Trials
Hovione’s TwinCaps® inhaler
has successfully delivered in Phase III clinical trials
for influenza. The news was recently announced by
company licensees Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. of Tokyo,
Japan and Biota Holdings Ltd. of Victoria, Australia.
The CS-8958 is a new long-acting neuraminidase inhibitor
for treatment of influenza. It is co-owned by Daiichi
Sankyo and Biota. It is delivered by TwinCaps® a
patented dry powder inhaler, which was designed
specifically by Hovione for the treatment of influenza
infections in both pandemics and in seasonal situations.
The device requires only single priming action prior to
use and can be used across a broad range of patients’
inspiratory flow rates. It offers the ability to dose
patients on weekly or even less frequent basis,
providing numerous benefits. The volume of product
stored in stockpile reserves could be smaller and
single-dose treatment will offer greater convenience for
patients and better patient compliance.
In the Phase III trials conducted by Daiichi Sankyo, one
inhaled dose of the drug was shown to be as effective as
oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), which is administered twice a
day for 5 days. A parallel Phase II/III trial of CS-8958
in pediatric patients met the primary and secondary
endpoints compared to oseltamivir.
TwinCaps® delivers a significant amount of drug to the
lungs. Both Daiichi Sankyo and Biota have a worldwide
exclusive license to use the inhaler for the treatment
and prevention of influenza infections. Hovione has
plans for large-scale manufacturing of the devices.
Daiichi Sankyo intends to submit its market
authorization application for Japan by March 2010. Biota
continues its progress in clinical development programs
required for registration in the U.S and the UK.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FDA Grants Approval of
Eurand’s EPI Drug
The FDA
recently approved the first and only New Drug
Application (NDA) for a pancreatic enzyme product.
ZENPEP® (pancrelipase) Delayed-Release Capsules,
manufactured by Eurand N.V., has been clinically tested
in patients under 12 years old for the treatment of
exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) when present
with cystic fibrosis (CF) or other conditions.
EPI is a digestive disorder commonly present in those
suffering from CF. A lack of digestive enzymes made by
the pancreas result in malabsorption and maldigestion of
nutrients causing malnutrition, compromised immune
response, impaired growth in children, and shortened
life expectancy. ZENPEP® improves digestion and
absorption by replacing these enzymes.
Eurand, a specialty pharmaceutical company, has had six
products approved by the FDA since 2001. ZENPEP® is
being offered in four dosage strengths in order to meet
the needs of infants, toddlers, adolescents, and adults
with EPI. Commercial launch is expected for the fourth
quarter of 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Experimental Diabetes Drug
Receives FDA Approval
The FDA has approved Generex Biotechnology Corporation’s
Generex Oral-lyn® for experimental use. The diabetes drug
candidate is part of a Treatment Investigational New Drug
Program and will be provided to patients not eligible for a
current late-stage trial but are facing life-threatening
Type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Under the FDA-approved Treatment Investigational New Drug
Program, drug makers are allowed to produce unapproved drugs
which are then made available to patients who don’t have
other satisfactory treatments available.
Generex Biotechnology makes drugs that are used to fight
metabolic diseases.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
EPA Approves New BASF
Herbicide
BASF
SE, the German chemical company, has received U.S.
approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to market Kixor, a new herbicide. With the help of Kixor
and four other products pending EPA approval, BASF is
expecting sales of $200 million by 2012. Used on crops
in the U.S. ranging from corn to nut trees, Kixor is an
herbicide which battles weeds resistant to glyphosate, a
chemical Monsanto Company developed for use in Roundup.
It can be used with herbicides like glyphosate or on its
own, controlling more than 70 broadleaf weeds such as
lambsquarters, marestail, and Russian thistle. It is
currently used in Argentina on soybeans and corn and in
Nicaragua on peanuts. Kixor will be manufactured at
BASF’s Hannibal, Missouri plant for worldwide
distribution.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matrix to Set Up Fertilizer
Plant
Matrix
Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (MFCL), part of India’s
Matrix Group, is setting up a fertilizer project worth
$1.03 billion, consisting of India’s first coalbed
methane (CBM)-based ammonia plant (800,000 tonne/year)
and a urea plant (1.4 million tonne/year). The facility,
located at Panagarh in the Burdwan District of West
Bengal State will also include a 33 MW captive power
plant. Also being considered is the brownfield site at
Durgapur, also in the Burdwan District. Hindustan
Fertilizer Corporation (HFC), which owns this site, had
closed the plant in 1997.
Matrix received approval from the government to prepare
environmental impact assessments on the sites, which it
is required to present at future public hearings and to
the government to secure final clearance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exousia Receives First Order
from Dalian Shipyard
Exhousia Advanced Materials has received its first order
from Dalian Shipyard for 15 tons of zinc- rich primer.
The order is worth approximately $80,000. The company
initiated a strategic relationship with Dalian as a part
of its efforts to build strategic relationships where
its innovation strengths, product development and
problem solving can line up with its Chinese customer
base.
Exousia manufactures advanced resins, engineered
particles, high-performance coatings and structural
products. The company serves both domestic and
international markets. Dalian Shipbuilding is China’s
largest shipyard and is only one of 96 companies
controlled by the $5 billion China Shipbuilding Industry
Corporation (CSIC).
RONA Adds Recycled Paint Line
RONA, Inc. has taken its eco-responsible initiative one
step further by adding recycled latex paint to its RONA
ECO product portfolio. The new line of paints offers
interior colors inspired by nature as well as floor and
patio grade products.
RONA, Inc. is Canada’s largest distributor and retailer
of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. To
carry the RONA ECO label, a product must demonstrate a
lower environmental impact throughout its entire life
cycle, subject to an expert review by the International
Chair in Life Cycle Assessment at the Ecole
Polytechnique of Universite de Montreal. The paint is
also certified by EcoLogoM, one of the largest and most
respected eco-labeling programs in North America. Life
cycle analysis is a meticulous process, measuring a
product’s environmental impact from initial production
to the end of its useful life, following rigorous
criteria to leave the smallest ecological footprint
possible in each phase.
RONA ECO is composed of 90% quality recycled paint. It
is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), generating
only one fourth of the greenhouse gases usually produced
by other paints during the manufacturing process. For
over a decade, the company has been recovering used
paints from its Quebec stores and has extended this
practice to other areas in Canada as well. Over 2
million kilograms of paint have been collected, with
leftover paints being transformed into usable products
instead of waste.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
LyondellBasell announced it will close one of its
smallest low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plants by the
end of this year. Approximately 50 employees will be
affected by the closure. The Carrington, United Kingdom
plant is no longer economically viable, with a 185 KT-LDPE
capacity. LyondellBasell believes customer demand will
be met with supplies from the Wesseling, Germany and
Berre, France sites. The world-scale plant in Berre has
a 300 KT capacity. The Carrington site’s 210 KT
polypropylene plant will continue its operations.
Frost & Sullivan is a global research and
consulting firm. It presents the award to those
companies that most effectively address their customers’
various needs with consideration for price, benefits and
performance. PolyOne received the award for its
leadership in the plastics industry and exceptional
medical grade TPE technologies for drug and fluid
delivery systems. The company’s efforts in R&D include
the creation of new compounds which address such
environmental concerns as phthalates while
simultaneously offering excellent performance and
aesthetics. Their Versaflex™ HC family of TPEs made
without phthalates or halogens assists its customers
with meeting environmental, regulatory and performance
goals.
