Borealis to import ethane from the U.S. to feed ethylene plant in Sweden
A Chemical Week article by Natasha Alperowicz announced that Antero Resources of Denver, CO will supply ethane originating from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations to Borealis at Stenungsund, Sweden. The 10-year agreement allows Antero Resources to supply U.S. ethane for the Borealis flexible steam cracker at Stenungsund. A shipping agreement with Navigator Holdings and a related multi-million euro investment to upgrade the cracker and construct an ethane storage tank is included in the plan.
Overall chemical production mixed
According to the chemical production regional index (CPRI) released by ACC this month, the U.S. CPRI rose 0.3% in June, with output up in all regions following an upwardly revised 0.5% production gain in May. Year-over-year (YOY) through June, total chemical production in all regions was up 1.3%, following a revised 1.4% gain in May. On a 3-month moving average (3MMA) basis, overall chemical production was mixed.
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program amended
With a bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental affairs passed an amended version of the CFATS Authorization and Accountability Act of 2014, or H.R, 4007, extending the program for four years. Also, with a bipartisan vote, earlier this month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4007. The bill, under which the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is required to establish risk-based performance standards designed to protect covered chemical facilities from acts of terrorism, reestablishes CFATS.
Pipe, Profile & Tubing Extrusion in North America 2014
According to a market report in Plastics News, PVC remains the largest segment of the U.S. market demand for extruded plastics. The segment is projected to grow by 3 percent in 2014.The strongest gains will be posted by plastic pipe through 2018 and continue to take market share from competing materials in a range of markets.In-depth analysis of current trends and their financial impact on the pipe, profile and tubing extrusion industry in North America is provided in their latest market report.
Mexichem buying Vestolit for $293 millon
German PVC paste producer Vestolit has agreed to sell the company to Mexican PVC and specialty chemicals maker Mexichem SAB de CV for 219 million euros ($293 U.S.) The transaction gives Mexichem an opportunity to expand their presence in Europe, enter new market segments, and acquire new technology. Vestolit comes with sales representatives in 35 countries.
Agency watchdogs tell lawmakers that officials stonewalled probes
In a letter to members of Congress from 47 independent inspectors general who oversee the Obama administration, officials are bing accused of blocking their access to government documents, warning of “potentially serious challenges” to their authority. The letter charges that the inspectors were denied documents on at least three separate occasions.
