Chemical Business Newsbase articles from November 2009, page 8

Chemical Business Newsbase archives from November 2009

FDA approves Agriflu seasonal influenza vaccine.
November 27, 2009... The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Agriflu for people ages 18 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Agriflu, manufactured by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics in Siena, Italy, was approved...

Commission Directive 2009/146/EC of 26 Nov 2009 correcting Directive 2008/125/EC amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include aluminium phosphide, calcium phosphide, magnesium phosphide, cymoxanil, dodemorph, 2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid methylester, meta.
November 27, 2009... Adopted on 26 Nov 2009. The Commission of the European Communities, having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, having regard to Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 Jul 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products...

Commission decision of 25 Nov 2009 establishing a questionnaire for Member States reports on the implementation of Directive 2006/66/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators.
November 27, 2009... Adopted on 25 Nov 2009. The Commission of the European Communities, having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, having regard to Directive 2006/66/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 Sep 2006 on batteries...

Boehringer Ingelheim and Vectura conclude collaboration.
November 27, 2009... Boehringer Ingelheim has concluded its collaboration with Vectura by mutual consent. Under the terms of the agreement, signed in Apr 2006, Boehringer Ingelheim has worked with Vectura to develop a dry powder multi-dose inhaler. Having completed...

Major European regulatory milestone in cardiovascular protection for Micardis (telmisartan): Now approved by the European Commission to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity in high CV risk patients.
November 27, 2009... The European Commission has approved Boehringer Ingelheim's Micardis (telmisartan) for the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with manifest atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or...

Uniol requests debt negotiation.
November 27, 2009... The Danish biodiesel producer Uniol, rather than going to the probate court, is requesting a debt negotiation which will give it protection from creditors while it evaluates the possibilities for continuing its operations. No employees have been...

Danish parliament votes for tax on biodiesel in 2010.
November 27, 2009... With 85 votes for and 84 against the Danish parliament voted on 27 Nov 2009, as part of its deciding on the state budget for 2010, to halve the tax exemption on biodiesel in 2010, with the aim of introducing full tax in 2011. In addition it was...

Opposition to Danish diesel tax will continue.
November 27, 2009... Opposition groups in the Danish parliament believe that their fight against the imposition of tax on biodiesel is not over and that there will be a re-run of the argument in spring 2010. The opposition believes that the decision was such a bad...

Aqua Bio technology results 3Q 2009.
November 27, 2009... In 3Q 2009 Aqua Bio Technology, Norway, reported a result of NKR -2.05 M after tax, compared with NKR -3.75 M in 3Q 2008. Sales income was down from NKR 187,114 to NKR 0.

Israel company files case against Natco.
November 27, 2009... The Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd has filed a citizen's petition with the US FDA against the Hyderabad Natco Pharma and Mylan Inc in connection with the generic version of Glataramir Acetate, used to treat multiple sclerosis....

Surya Roshni to diversify.
November 27, 2009... Lighting solutions firm Surya Roshni Ltd plans to diversify into cement, steel and infrastructure, as part of its plan to become a Rup 10,000 crore firm by 2015. The company plans to set up a cement plant in Gujarat. (1 crore=10 M, 1...

JK Cement's unit targets 3 M tonnes/y production.
November 27, 2009... JK Cement Ltd expects its cement unit at Muddapur in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India to become a 3 M tonnes/y cement unit when it becomes fully operational by Jan/Feb 2010. The unit commenced commercial production on 24 Oct 2009.

Sale of Huhtamaki's rigid plastic consumer goods business in Australia finalize.
November 27, 2009... The sale of Huhtamaki's rigid plastic consumer goods packaging business in Australia to Alto Manufacturing Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Pact Group Pty Ltd, announced on 13 Nov 2009, has been finalized. The divested business include three...

PKN ORLEN has signed an agreement with Souz Petrolium for crude oil deliveries.
November 27, 2009... On 27 Nov 2009, Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA ("PKN ORLEN") announced that it has signed an agreement with Souz Petrolium SA headquartered in Geneva (Souz Petrolium), for REBCO crude oil deliveries, in the quantity of 4.8 M tonnes/y, by...

Total transfers a 10% interest in Russia's Kharyaga field to Zarubezhneft.
November 27, 2009... On 27 Nov 2009, Total E&P Russie, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Total SA, announced the transfer of a 10% interest in the Kharyaga oil field to state-owned Zarubezhneft of Russia. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 1999 at the same...

Infineon expecting a strong year for semiconductor industry.
November 27, 2009... After a major crisis in the semiconductor industry in the past 12 months, chip producer Infineon is now again looking to the future with optimism. A spokesman for the board believes there are 3-4 positive years ahead. Like most other chip...

MCC und Minara to bid for Ravensthorpe.
November 27, 2009... China Metallurgical Group (MCC) and Minara Resources are to submit a joint bid for BHP Billiton's mothballed Ravensthorpe nickel mine. The two will bid for equal shares in the failed $2.1 bn project. However, Poseidon Nickel and Canada's First...

European Medicines Agency recommends authorisation of two additional Bluetongue vaccines through the centralised procedure.
November 27, 2009... The European Medicines Agency has recommended the granting of marketing authorisations under exceptional circumstances for two inactivated Bluetongue vaccines for sheep and cattle respectively through the centralised procedure. These...

FDA approves Agriflu seasonal influenza vaccine: Another option to prevent illnesses caused by subtypes A and B influenza virus.
November 27, 2009... On 27 Nov 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Agriflu for people ages 18 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Agriflu, manufactured by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics in Siena, Italy,...

China sets ambitious target on emissions: Beijing announces it will cut rate of carbon output growth by 40%.
November 27, 2009... China has galvanised the run-up to the climate change talks in Copenhagen by announcing an ambitious target to reduce its carbon footprint. It is the first time the world's biggest producer of greenhouse gases has committed itself to a...

How key countries are cutting carbon emissions.
November 27, 2009... China on Thu 26 Nov 2009 unveiled for the first time hard-number targets for reducing the carbon intensity of its greenhouse-gas emissions, a key element in the 7-18 Dec 2009 climate talks in Copenhagen. The US is the world's number two...

Raisio Jan-Sep 2009: profitability stable, outlook unchanged.
November 26, 2009... Raisio's net sales from continuing operations in Jul-Sep 2009 totalled EUR 95.5 M (3Q 2008: EUR 123.9 M). The Group's 3Q EBIT from continuing operations, excluding one-off items, was EUR 7.3 M (EUR 6.7 M), accounting for 7.7% of net sales. Cash...

Novera rejects new GBP 109 M bid from Guy Hands.
November 26, 2009... The board of Novera Energy, an Aim-listed renewable energy group, rejected a second approach for the company run by private equity giant Guy Hands on 25 Nov 2009. Infinis, an energy group controlled by Mr Hands's private equity firm, Terra...

Nanoparticle oral drug delivery systems show promise for biotech firm.
November 26, 2009... Drug company NOD Pharmaceuticals Inc's application to the US Patent and Trademark office for a patent for a nanoparticle drug carrying method has been allowed, the company says. The biotech firm specializes in developing bioadhesive...

Strike at Haldia Petro project withdrawn.
November 26, 2009... The 4-day old workers strike at the Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd has been withdrawn following the agreement between the workers and the management. The work on the expansion at the company has been resumed, as the strike has been withdrawn....

Aluminium output up at 859,414 tonnes for Apr-Oct 2009.
November 26, 2009... India produced 859,414 tonnes of aluminium, 405,732 tonnes of copper, 351,345 tonnes of zinc, 33,676 tonnes of lead and 6.21 tonnes of gold during Apr-Oct 2009 (production of 739,957 tonnes of aluminium, 365,224 tonnes of copper, 315,335 tonnes...

China: high stocks cut copper prices.
November 26, 2009... After months of steady price rises, the trend in Chinese copper prices could be reversed. Stocks have risen constantly so far in 2H 2009 and copper demand has been dull since mid-year. China imported 263,109 tonnes of copper in Oct 2009, a rise...

China: new environmental standards for lead production.
November 26, 2009... China is enacting new standards for lead production in response to the latest lead poisonings. Some of these new environmental criteria, which take effect in Feb 2010, have now become known but industry representatives do not expect them to have...

Green Valley setting up cement plant.
November 26, 2009... Green Valley Industries Ltd plans to invest Rup 450 crores to set up a 1 M tonne/y integrated cement plant and a 20 MW captive power plant in Meghalaya. In the first phase, the company will invest Rup 250 crores to produce 0.6 M tonne of cement...

Jubilant's joint venture.
November 26, 2009... Pharma firm Jubilant Organosys has formed a joint venture with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Southern Research Institute to focus on collective innovation and enabling technologies in oncology, metabolic and infectious diseases...

Czech Republic expects the Swine Flu pandemic to start in Dec 2009.
November 26, 2009... Czech Republic expects the Swine Flu pandemic to start in Dec 2009. Vaccination against the Swine Flu was started on 24 Nov 2009 in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has ordered totally 1 M vaccines against this flu and will spend about CEK...

Russia plans to commit to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 25% till 2020.
November 26, 2009... Russia plans to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 25% till 2020 compared to 1990. It plans to commit to this at the world climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in Dec 2009.

OMV CR and Shell CR cooperate in fuel sale.
November 26, 2009... OMV CR (Czech Republic) and Shell CR (Czech Republic), fuel distributors, started to cooperate in 2H 2009. The both companies agreed on mutual acceptance of their so called fuel cards at their petrol stations in the Czech Republic. Firm clients...

Johnson & Johnson CR reached proceeds of CEK 3.5 bn in 2008.
November 26, 2009... Johnson & Johnson CR (J&J) (Czech Republic), pharmaceutical company, reached proceeds of CEK 3.5 bn in 2008. Its profit reached CEK 207 M in 2008. J&J donated CEK 37.6 M to charity and other non-profitable products in 2008. J&J...

Wake penetrates the world with the unique healing cream Hemagel.
November 26, 2009... Wake (Czech Republic), healing and cosmetics products producer, has penetrated the world thanks to its unique healing cream Hemagel. Hemagel heals burns, herpeses and other chronic wounds such as venous ulcerations. Hemagel, developed by Czech...

Russia exploits a record oil quantity during 2H 2009.
November 26, 2009... Russia exploits a record oil quantity during 2H 2009. Russian oil exploitation equipments are utilizing 100% of their output. Russia has even overtaken the hitherto global oil number one Saudi Arabia. The oil extraction volume exceeded 10 M...

Antigenics Therapeutics Ltd withdraws its marketing authorisation application for Oncophage (vitespen).
November 26, 2009... On 26 Nov 2009, the European Medicines Agency announced that it has been formally notified by Antigenics Therapeutics Ltd of its decision to withdraw its application for a centralised marketing authorisation for the medicine Oncophage...

Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) Nov 2009 plenary meeting: PhVWP discussions on safety concerns: Cyproterone acetate - Risk of meningioma.
November 26, 2009... At its meeting of 16 to 18 Nov 2009, the European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) discussed non-centrally authorise medicinal products. Cyproterone acetate - risk of meningioma: the discussion was triggered by...

Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) Nov 2009 plenary meeting: PhVWP discussions on safety concerns: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): Risks of sleep disturbances, memory loss, sexual dysfunction, depression, interstitial lung disease and micturi.
November 26, 2009... At its meeting of 16 to 18 Nov 2009, the European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) discussed non-centrally authorise medicinal products. The PhVWP conducted a review of the class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors1,...

Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) Nov 2009 plenary meeting: PhVWP discussions on safety concerns: Phenytoin and fosphenytoin: Risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in association with HLA-B*1502 allele.
November 26, 2009... At its meeting of 16 to 18 Nov 2009, the European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) discussed non-centrally authorise medicinal products. The PhVWP considered a recent publication in a medical journal showing a...

Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) Nov 2009 plenary meeting: PhVWP discussions on safety concerns: Propylthiouracil - Risk of serious liver injury.
November 26, 2009... At its meeting of 16 to 18 Nov 2009, the European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) discussed non-centrally authorise medicinal products. Propylthiouracil (PTU) has been used for treatment of hyperthyroidism for...

International Gold Exploration results 3Q 2009.
November 26, 2009... In 3Q 2009 International Gold Exploration AB (IGE), Sweden, recorded a result of SKR 19.4 M before and after tax, compared with SKR 0.4 M in 3Q 2008. Income was up from SKR 13.8 M to SKR 15.2 M. IGE's funds totalled SKR 9.3 M at the end of 3Q.

DiaGenic raises NKR 34 M from share issue.
November 26, 2009... DiaGenic ASA, Norway, has carried out a rights issue of NKR 12.5 M, at NKR 2.75/share. The gross proceeds are NKR 34.375 M. The aim of the issue is to fund operating costs and to strengthen the company's working capital. Top priority will be...

European and Russian patents for PhotoCure's photodynamic acne therapy.
November 26, 2009... The European and Russian patent authorities have both decided to approve PhotoCure's patent application for PDT acne. The patent will protect, until Nov 2025, the use of 5-methylaminolevulinate (the active ingredient of Visonac) and other...

Commission decision of 13 May 2009 on measures C 20/07 (ex NN 31/07) implemented by Spain in favour of Pickman.
November 26, 2009... The Commission of the European Communities, having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 88(2) thereof, having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in...

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.5689 - Bominflot/SBI Holding).
November 26, 2009... The European Commission on 18 Nov 2009 received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Bominflot Bunkergesellschaft fur Mineraloe MbH & Co KG (Bominflot) of...

European Parliament legislative resolution of 5 Jun 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 96/22/EC concerning the prohibition on the use in stock farming of certain substances having.
November 26, 2009... The European Parliament, having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0292), having regard to Articles 251(2) and 152(4)(b) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the...

Swedish EcoEnergy Scandinavia AB signs MOU with Chinese Changzhou Xinbei Government and Jiangsu Guoyu Electric Co to build a waste-to-energy facility.
November 26, 2009... At the Swedish Department of Foreign Affairs, Swedish EcoEnergy Scandinavia AB (Swedish EcoEnergy) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Changzhou Xinbei District Government and Jiangsu Guoyu Electric Co Ltd (Jiangsu) regarding building...

NCKU signed a MOU with ScinoPharm Taiwan on 24 Nov 2009.
November 26, 2009... National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan has signed a MOU with ScinoPharm Taiwan Ltd (ScinoPharm) on 24 Nov 2009. According to the MOU, NCKU and ScinoPharm both agreed to encourage and promote cooperation in developing novel therapeutic...

Karo Bio announces that Merck & Co Inc plans to proceed with Phase II clinical evaluation of candidate compound.
November 26, 2009... Karo Bio announced that Merck & Co Inc (Merck), through an affiliate, plans to enter a clinical Phase IIa trial with the collaboration's lead investigational drug candidate, MK-6913, identified as part of their joint research collaboration....

Shell opens state-of-the-art lubricants blending plant in China.
November 26, 2009... Shell Lubricants announced the start-up of its newest lubricants complex in Asia to meet growing demand in China. With a production capacity of 50M gallons/y, and the potential for a phased development to 100 M gallons/y, the complex could...

Thrust Energy Corporation acquires working interest in Alberta gas wells.
November 26, 2009... Thrust Energy Corp is pleased to announce that it has acquired its first working interest in Alberta. The project includes six natural gas wells that are estimated to produce about 940 M cu ft/day of natural gas. Thrust's working interest would...

Inmet Mining announces Government of Papua New Guinea consent to previously announced Ok Tedi Net smelter return royalty.
November 26, 2009... Inmet Mining Corp announced that the National Executive Council of the Government of Papua New Guinea has given its consent to the previously announced exchange of Inmet's 18% equity interest in Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) for a 5% net smelter...

GR Fragrances launches new brand.
November 26, 2009... The leading distributor of perfumes and cosmetics, GR Fragrances has unveiled its 'Alta Moda' brand of perfumes and deodorants to the Indian market. The products are manufactured by Middle East based Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group.

Hind Copper mulls 20% divestment.
November 26, 2009... Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is deliberating divesting 20% stake in the company to the public. According to the Managing Director of the company, HCL needs about Rup 3900 crore by 2017-2018. Eastern sector comprising the state of Jharkhand in...

SABIC and Linde announce successful commercialisation of Linear Alpha Olefins.
November 26, 2009... On 26 Nov 2009, Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and German-based The Linde Group announced today the first successful commercialisation of Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO), using alpha-SABLIN technology developed jointly by SABIC and Linde....

Lego lays off 66 workers at Billund.
November 26, 2009... On 26 Nov 2009 Lego issued notices of redundancy to 66 hourly paid workers at Billund, Denmark, because of low seasonal demand. In recent years high output has been maintained because this has been necessary during the transitional period in...

Drugs cheaper in Denmark in 1-3Q 2009.
November 26, 2009... A combination of new regulations and the appearance of cheap generic drugs on the market has caused the price of medicines in Denmark to fall by around 5% in 1-3Q 2009, relative to 1-3Q 2008. Compared with 1-3Q 2008, Danes used about 4% more...

Brazil's Petrobras inaugurates R$ 4.58 bn gas pipeline.
November 26, 2009... Brazil's state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro S/A, or Petrobras, inaugurated 26 Nov 2009 a major gas pipeline that cost over 300% more than originally estimated. The Urucu-Coari-Manaus pipeline required investments of R$ 4.58 bn, by far...

Update on Astellas' complaint challenging the FDA's decision for Citizen Petition in the US.
November 26, 2009... On 26 Nov 2009, Astellas Pharma Inc announced that its North American affiliate, Astellas Pharma US Inc has dismissed its lawsuit against the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As stated in the press release issued on 13 Aug 2009, Astellas...

Pfizer and Astellas announce the launch of Caduet combination tablets in Japan.
November 26, 2009... On 26 Nov 2009, Pfizer Japan Inc and Astellas Pharma Inc announced that combination drug of hypertension treatment and hypercholesterolaemia treatment Caduet Combination Tablets (generic name: amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium) will...

Long-lasting protection for stage sets: Multitec Flex polyurethane spray system from BaySystems proves effective in theatre.
November 26, 2009... Thanks to its outstanding properties and cost-effective processing, the polyurethane spray system Multitec Flex from BaySystems has proven a hit at the famous La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy. The versatile material is being used as a...

First pay talks at Altonorte far from producing agreement, says union: Chile.
November 26, 2009... Union spokesperson Lazaro Lizama disclosed that the stand adopted by executives at Xstrata Copper's Altonorte copper smelter in region II, northern Chile was far from agreeable for the employees. Altonorte management and union representatives...

Aluminium inventories in Latin America down 18% at end-Oct 2009, says IAI: regional.
November 26, 2009... Latest statistics from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) reveal that aluminium stocks in Latin America reached 200,000 tonnes at end-Oct 2009, up 14% from the corresponding Sep 2009 level, but down 18% year on year. Unwrought aluminium...

Authorities visit Angostura gold project: Colombia.
November 26, 2009... Colombia's energy, environment and mining ministry officials, together with the Canadian ambassador, made an ocular inspection on the progress of the Angostura gold project, operated by Canadian miner Greystar Resources. Greystar is presently...

First Majestic opens La Encantada cyanidation plant: Mexico.
November 26, 2009... Canadian miner First Majestic Silver has opened a new cyanidation unit at its La Encantada facility in Mexico. The roughly $30 M plant has a 3500 tonne/day processing capability, and is anticipated to yield over 4 M ounces/y of silver. The...

New president takes the helm at Escondida: Chile.
November 26, 2009... Edgar Basto has been named new president of Chile's Escondida. Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, registered a 56.8% year-on-year decline in profit to $1.87 bn for 1Q-3Q 2009, owing to weaker metal prices and reduced production...

Antofagasta Jan-Sep 2009 Ebitda shrinks 49.1% on lower sales, metal prices: Chile.
November 26, 2009... UK firm Antofagasta plc, which controls Chilean copper producer Antofagasta Minerals, registered a 49.1% year-on-year decline in Ebitda to $1.13 bn for 1Q-3Q 2009, on reduced sales and metal prices. Group turnover fell 39% to $2.02 bn, and...

Global exploration spending down 42% in 2009, says MEG: regional.
November 26, 2009... Latest estimates from Metals Economics Group (MEG) indicate that global investment for exploration of non-ferrous minerals, including uranium, will decline by 42% to $8.4 bn in 2009 from $14.4 bn in 2008, due to the global financial crisis. The...

Castle Gold ups revenues, but posts loss due to higher costs, taxes: 3Q 2009: Guatemala, Mexico.
November 26, 2009... Canadian miner Castle Gold saw its revenues increase from C$6.33 M in 3Q 2008 to C$7.88 M ($7.48 M) in 3Q 2009, due mainly to a 27% hike in physical gold sales from its El Castillo mine in Mexico. Gold sales totalled 8246 ounces in 3Q 2009 and...

Devon to launch sale of Brazilian assets in 1Q 2010: Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Devon Energy will officially kick off the sale of its Brazilian assets in 1Q 2010, by which time the US oil firm aims to have launched data rooms for the divestment of all international properties, including blocks in the Gulf of Mexico. Devon...

Investment in energy, mining to reach $49 bn over next five years: minister: Colombia.
November 26, 2009... The mining and energy minister of Colombia disclosed that investments in the nation's energy and mining segments will hit $49 bn through 2014. Of the amount, power generation will bring in $6 bn, while $290 M will be aimed at transmission....

Enap posts Jan-Sep 2009 net profit of $22 M: Chile.
November 26, 2009... Chilean state oil producer Enap reported a net profit of $22 M for Jan-Sep 2009, up from a net loss of $191 in Jan-Sep 2008. Gross operating income rose to $209 M from a loss of $91 M year on year. The company attributes the improved 3Q 2009...

Carbono expects to grow at least 6% in 2010: Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Carbono Quimica hopes to boost its revenues by no less than 6% in 2010 from a 2009 baseline. The Brazilian chemicals and solvents maker noted that the domestic paints and varnishes segment, which represents 50% of the firm's revenues, is...

Carbono, Bertin group partner for oleochemicals production: Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Brazil-based Carbono Quimica has formed an alliance with Bracol Oleoquimicos, local group Bertin's subsidiary, to develop and manufacture oleochemicals and derivatives using renewable materials. Production of the oleochemicals and derivatives...

PPQ's 2010 investment budget mainly set aside for Cangrejera, Morelos complexes: Mexico.
November 26, 2009... A large portion of Mexican state oil Pemex's $300 M planned investment for its petrochemicals arm PPQ for 2010 will be directed towards a revamp of the aromatic train at the Cangrejera petrochemical complex in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz state, and...

Production of plastic products forecast to decline 4.5% in 2009: Mexico.
November 26, 2009... New report from consultancy firm Grupo Texne projects a 4.5% reduction in plastic products output and a 3% drop in sales in Mexico for 2009 against a 2008 baseline. Output for 4Q 2009 is seen be 0.1% lower compared with the year-ago level. For...

Braskem, Tetra Pak pen agreement for 'green' PE supply: Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem has inked an agreement with Swedish packaging major Tetra Pak covering supply of its sugarcane ethanol-derived polyethylene (PE). Under the deal, Braskem will deliver 5000 tonnes/y of high-density...

Quattor opens its first international office in Buenos Aires: Argentina, Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Quattor has reportedly inaugurated its first overseas office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The offshore subsidiary, which will handle all of the Brazilian petrochemical company's South American operations, marks the first step in Quattor's...

Braskem mulls second 'green' PE plant: Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Braskem is reportedly contemplating a second production unit for its sugarcane ethanol-derived polyethylene (PE) following closing of a supply deal with Swedish packaging company Tetra Pak. The Brazilian petrochemical firm's first 'green' PE...

Pedra Agroindustrial plans to invest $300 M in bioplastic production: Brazil.
November 26, 2009... Brazilian sugar and ethanol manufacturer Pedra Agroindustrial plans to lay out $300 M for biodegradable plastic production based on sugarcane ethanol. The 35,000-45,000 tonne/y bioplastic unit is anticipated to come online within three years....

Cefic wants full fair trade agreement between Europe and India.
November 26, 2009... Six European organizations, including Cefic, have asked for the free trade agreement between Europe and India to be fully implemented, with no exemptions for the latter. They believe that within 2 years most of India's industrial sector will be...

Demand for bioplastics growing.
November 26, 2009... According to Ceresana Research the sale of biodegradable plastics has grown in 2009 despite the financial crisis and the market share of bioplastics relative to traditional polymers will grow in the coming years. Bioplastics, made from renewable...

Repsol to invest $1.5 bn to increase natural gas production: regional.
November 26, 2009... Spanish oil producer Repsol will spend $1.5 bn in Bolivia to expand natural gas output in the nation. The money will be channelled towards the Huacaya and Margarita natural gas fields and could be augmented should reserve estimates rise with...