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BioAmber's Succinic Acid JV with Mitsui Attains Operational Milestone
FOCUS coatings for cars and their components in various glosses and colours. The FEVE resins are offered in conventional solvent grades, as well as powder-coated, waterbased resins and solid resins for the manufacturing of low-VOC and HAPS-free ecofriendly coatings.
Original Source: Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI), Aug 2016, 32 (8), 54 (Website: http:// www.pcimag.com) Copyright BNP Media 2016
PPG highlights transportation coatings at Intermodal EXPO 2016 PPG showcased its full line of transportation coatings for trailer and intermodal applications during Intermodal EXPO 2016, at the George R Brown Convention Centre in Houston, US on 18-20 Sep 2016. SPECTRACRON solvent-based and AQUACRON ultra-low-VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based primers and topcoats are available in acrylic, alkyd, epoxy and urethane formulations. POWERCRON electrocoats (e-coats) are the industry's most commonly used e-coat products, which provide exceptional protection against corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) exposure for specialty frames and chassis-related components. ENVIROCRON powder coatings combine corrosion- and weather-resistant qualities with environmental sustainability in hard, durable, cost-effective coatings. Other offers include pre-treatment products such as surface cleaners and zinc-rich and zirconium-based primers that integrate with PPG liquid, ecoat and powder products to resist corrosion and extend the service life of trucks, trailers and shipping containers.
Original Source: PPG Industries, 29 Aug 2016, (Website: http://www.ppg.com/) Copyright PPG Industries 2016
AkzoNobel breaks ground on powder coatings plant in Mumbai AkzoNobel has broken ground on its new powder coatings plant in Mumbai, India. The investment of €9 M will allow the company to increase capacity in the region, which forms an important part of its organic growth plans. The new facility will complement AkzoNobel's existing plant in Bangalore, which is focused on supplying the south and east of the country. The Mumbai factory will also produce several lines new to the Indian market, including bonded metallic powders and localized products for markets such as pipe and re-bar coatings. Start-up of the new Mumbai facility is scheduled for late 2017.
Original Source: AkzoNobel, 29 Aug 2016, (Website: http://www.akzonobel.com) Copyright AkzoNobel NV 2016
October 2016
ON
POWDER
BASF sells its global photoinitiator business to IGM Resins BASF has sold its global photoinitiator business to IGM Resins BV Netherlands, a global producer and supplier of radiationcurable material. High-performance photoinitiators dedicated to specific needs of electronics customers are not part of the divestment, as the electronics industry is one of BASF's strategic focus areas. Photoinitiators are used in coatings applications for furniture and flooring, and in inks applications for printing and packaging. The transaction comprises business assets including technology, patents and certain trademarks, customer relationships and business-related contracts as well as the company's photoinitiator production site in Mortara, Italy. The transfer of the Mortara site and all of its employees to the acquiring company is expected to be completed shortly after the consultations with local employee representatives. Approximately 120 employees are affected globally. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the acquisition.
Original Source: BASF, 2016. Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 30 Aug 2016, (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright BASF 2016
Powder Coating, a Better Kind of Paint Dedicated to the promotion of Powder Coating technology, the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) is introducing a video entitled, 'Powder Coating, A Better Kind of Paint'. This is the first in a series of videos focused on expanding awareness about the benefits of Powder Coating. The promotional campaign will focus on two video series. One targeting the consumer audience, and the other targeting product manufacturers, or more commonly known as, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Each series will emphasize a message that Powder Coating is Stronger, Greener, and Better. Viewers will see and hear this message highlighted throughout the storyline along with the appearance of the industry's trademark stamp, Powder Coated Tough. Trena Benson, PCI Executive Director, says "We are very excited about the release of the first in a series of informative videos explaining that Powder Coating is Stronger, Greener and Better than Paint.''
Original Source: Powder Coating Institute, 6 September 2016 (Website: http://www. powdercoating.org/) Copyright Powder Coating Institute 2016
European Commission Grants Clearance to Allnex and Nuplex Business Merger Allnex has announced that the European Commission has granted clearance for
C OAT I N G S Allnex and Nuplex to combine their businesses. This is one of the final milestones in the process of creating what is intended to be one of the leading industrial coating resins companies globally. Upon closing, the new headquarters of the combined company will be Frankfurt am Main in Germany, in a region with a longstanding tradition in the chemical industry. This heritage in combination with Frankfurt's excellent infrastructure and logistical links make it an ideal location. Minister-President of the State of Hesse, Volker Bouffier, has welcomed the choice of Frankfurt. Frankfurt will be the new headquarters of the combined company. "The decision to choose Frankfurt for the future company's headquarters was taken with the intention of establishing a new location, symbolizing a fresh start for our new company. We look forward to a future of strength, growth and diversity,'' said Rich Alexander, former Executive Vice President of PPG, who will act as Chairman of the new company's Advisory Committee. Miguel Mantas, who joined Allnex as CEO at the beginning of 2016, will become the CEO of the new company. He commented: "We will be stronger as one. Allnex and Nuplex share a commitment to high quality, innovation and responsiveness to the needs of customers in the coating resins sector. I am proud to be bringing our two companies together, and I am confident that our combined expertise will allow the new entity to move forward to great success.'' Nuplex and Allnex serve a wide range of coating end markets Including: automotive OEM, aerospace, industrial, protective, marine and decorative paint. Ron Ayles, a Managing Partner at Advent International and head of the firm's global chemicals practice, said, "There is a strong strategic logic for combining Allnex and Nuplex. The new company will be the leading global industrial coating resins producer. One of the most important results of this business combination will be that customers will have access to a wider global manufacturing network, and broader and more innovative product ranges based on state-of-the art technologies.'' The transaction is expected to be completed on September 13, 2016. The corporate identity of the new company will be announced on that day.
Original Source: Allnex, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 9 September 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright Allnex 2016
BioAmber’s Succinic Acid JV with Mitsui Attains Operational Milestone BioAmber has announced that its joint venture with Mitsui & Co. has achieved the final operational milestone set out in a CAD
3
FOCUS $20 million commercial loan that the joint venture drew down in 2015. BioAmber Sarnia demonstrated performance levels validating commercial operation, as defined in its loan agreement with Comerica Bank, Export Development Canada (EDC) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The Performance Indicators for the Sarnia Manufacturing Facility Includes: overall efficiency of BioAmber's proprietary biotechnology in fermentation, the plant's throughput and output in continuous operation and the quality of the final product. This milestone is further evidence that the Sarnia plant is operating well, as recently disclosed in BioAmber's Q2 2016 operating results. BioAmber Sarnia has also demonstrated the performance targets that Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) had originally set for the project. These include targets related to greenhouse gas emissions and financial performance. SDTC has completed its third-party validation of Sarnia's performance and approved the final grant payment of CAD$1.45 million to BioAmber. "Our lenders had set out rigorous performance criteria for the Sarnia facility and achieving these milestones is independent validation of how well our plant is operating,'' said Fabrice Orecchioni, BioAmber's Chief Operating Officer. "Our facility is the world's largest succinic acid plant and our variable costs are competitive with petro-succinic acid at current oil prices. With Sarnia up and running, BioAmber has established itself as a global leader in renewable chemicals,'' he added.
Original Source: BioAmber, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 2 September 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright BioAmber 2016
European Bioeconomy and GreenTech Invite Participants for Biobased Events Wageningen University students have compiled a list of several bioeconomy and sustainability challenges to be solved by the end of the year. In the past year, GreenTech developments such as potato-based plastics, microalgae-based bitumen and bacteria-based street lighting, have begun to change the way Europeans see, and become inspired by, nature in the production of innovative and sustainable products. Other circular economy challenges have also been presented at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, or through biohacking spaces. Companies such as Unilever and ProRail present challenges and applicable solutions when given the opportunity to do so with these challenges. The Sustainability Challenge award will be presented in Amsterdam in October. At the International
4
ON
POWDER
BioBased Economy Student SymbioSUM, a conference and think tank is held for students and experts to meet and discuss new bio-based solutions. Participants are invited to 'Rethink Your Oil-Based Day' by implementing bio-based solutions in everyday situations. Ideas can then be developed and presented to policy makers and investors. This event took place between 28 and 31 August in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Finally, the 2016 edition of the Project Green Challenge, which began in 2011, is a small-scale DIY challenge in which universities worldwide compete to improve awareness of biohacking, lifestyle and ecoliving. The final of the event will take place in San Francisco, US, where winners will be announced throughout October. Additionally, participants will be able to attend a threeday summit, where environmental leaders collaborate to create innovative platforms for sustainable action in climate, environment, transport, health and energy.
Original Source: GreenTech Media, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 23 August 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright GreenTech Media 2016
Leaf Resources & Claeris Partner to Form JV to Develop Renewable Chemicals Leaf Resources has announced the signing of binding legal agreements with US-based project developer Claeris, LLC ("Claeris''), to establish a joint venture (JV) entity, Leaf Development, LLC ("Leaf Development''), for the purpose of developing up to five renewable chemical projects that utilize Leaf Resources' proprietary GlycellTM process. Claeris' professional and investment networks, development skills, and transactional experience, combined with the Leaf Resources' innovative GlycellTM process, provides Leaf Development with the tools necessary to deliver high quality, financially attractive renewable chemical projects. Michael Slaney, Managing Partner of Claeris, commented: "We have reviewed many emerging technologies in the renewable chemical sector, but we have not seen anything quite as revolutionary and potentially profitable as Leaf's GlycellTM process. After a detailed technical and financial review of the GlycellTM technology, we are convinced that Leaf has the best process on which to base a platform company of renewable chemical projects. We are confident that we can secure the key project partners necessary to quickly develop our first project.'' The joint venture arrangement with Claeris provides significant additional opportunities for the deployment of the GlycellTM process across a variety of biomass sources in a number of
C OAT I N G S jurisdictions. In particular, Claeris has identified development opportunities using empty fruit bunches in Asia and hard woods in the US and will actively pursue these development projects. Claeris and Leaf share the view that a Develop, License, and Own model ("DLO model'') is the optimal model for the deployment of technology in the renewable chemicals industry. The DLO model to be employed by Leaf Development results in the sharing of all development and license related revenues, as well as founders' equity in each of the operating projects. Leaf Resources will provide a license for its GlycellTM process and technical expertise as required. The agreements, which are subject to performance hurdles for both Claeris and Leaf Resources, allow for Leaf Resources to own up to 75% of Leaf Development. Leaf Resources' previously announced joint ventures and MOUs with Monaghan Mushrooms, ZeaChem, and projects related to rice husks are excluded from the Claeris arrangement. Leaf Resources will continue to develop these pre-existing partnerships. Claeris will invest USD $500,000 in Leaf Resources at an issue price of AUD $0.125 per share and will also be issued approximately 1,560,000 options in Leaf Resources at an exercise price of $0.1375. The options have a five-year term, with onethird vesting each year after issue. While the scale of the first facility is not yet finalized, the parties believe a facility with a feedstock capacity of 100,000 bone dry tones per annum makes economic and technical sense. In summary, Leaf Resources has outsourced new project development to Claeris, a well-connected, well-credentialed, successful project developer who has also taken an equity interest in Leaf Resources. The transaction structure incentivizes Claeris to develop a financially attractive platform company of renewable chemical production facilities and provides Leaf Resources with a quicker, more profitable and secure path to commercialization.
Original Source: Claeris, LLC, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 16 August 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright Claeris, LLC 2016
TECHNOLOGY Thermal behavior of new blocked polyisocyanates for polyurethane powder coatings In this study, the thermal behavior of new blocked polyisocyanate crosslinkers for polyurethane powder coatings was investigated. Blocked polyisocyanates were synthesized on the basis of biuretization
October 2016
Original Source: Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI), Aug 2016, 32 (8), 54 (Website: http:// www.pcimag.com) Copyright BNP Media 2016
PPG highlights transportation coatings at Intermodal EXPO 2016 PPG showcased its full line of transportation coatings for trailer and intermodal applications during Intermodal EXPO 2016, at the George R Brown Convention Centre in Houston, US on 18-20 Sep 2016. SPECTRACRON solvent-based and AQUACRON ultra-low-VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based primers and topcoats are available in acrylic, alkyd, epoxy and urethane formulations. POWERCRON electrocoats (e-coats) are the industry's most commonly used e-coat products, which provide exceptional protection against corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) exposure for specialty frames and chassis-related components. ENVIROCRON powder coatings combine corrosion- and weather-resistant qualities with environmental sustainability in hard, durable, cost-effective coatings. Other offers include pre-treatment products such as surface cleaners and zinc-rich and zirconium-based primers that integrate with PPG liquid, ecoat and powder products to resist corrosion and extend the service life of trucks, trailers and shipping containers.
Original Source: PPG Industries, 29 Aug 2016, (Website: http://www.ppg.com/) Copyright PPG Industries 2016
AkzoNobel breaks ground on powder coatings plant in Mumbai AkzoNobel has broken ground on its new powder coatings plant in Mumbai, India. The investment of €9 M will allow the company to increase capacity in the region, which forms an important part of its organic growth plans. The new facility will complement AkzoNobel's existing plant in Bangalore, which is focused on supplying the south and east of the country. The Mumbai factory will also produce several lines new to the Indian market, including bonded metallic powders and localized products for markets such as pipe and re-bar coatings. Start-up of the new Mumbai facility is scheduled for late 2017.
Original Source: AkzoNobel, 29 Aug 2016, (Website: http://www.akzonobel.com) Copyright AkzoNobel NV 2016
October 2016
ON
POWDER
BASF sells its global photoinitiator business to IGM Resins BASF has sold its global photoinitiator business to IGM Resins BV Netherlands, a global producer and supplier of radiationcurable material. High-performance photoinitiators dedicated to specific needs of electronics customers are not part of the divestment, as the electronics industry is one of BASF's strategic focus areas. Photoinitiators are used in coatings applications for furniture and flooring, and in inks applications for printing and packaging. The transaction comprises business assets including technology, patents and certain trademarks, customer relationships and business-related contracts as well as the company's photoinitiator production site in Mortara, Italy. The transfer of the Mortara site and all of its employees to the acquiring company is expected to be completed shortly after the consultations with local employee representatives. Approximately 120 employees are affected globally. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the acquisition.
Original Source: BASF, 2016. Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 30 Aug 2016, (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright BASF 2016
Powder Coating, a Better Kind of Paint Dedicated to the promotion of Powder Coating technology, the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) is introducing a video entitled, 'Powder Coating, A Better Kind of Paint'. This is the first in a series of videos focused on expanding awareness about the benefits of Powder Coating. The promotional campaign will focus on two video series. One targeting the consumer audience, and the other targeting product manufacturers, or more commonly known as, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Each series will emphasize a message that Powder Coating is Stronger, Greener, and Better. Viewers will see and hear this message highlighted throughout the storyline along with the appearance of the industry's trademark stamp, Powder Coated Tough. Trena Benson, PCI Executive Director, says "We are very excited about the release of the first in a series of informative videos explaining that Powder Coating is Stronger, Greener and Better than Paint.''
Original Source: Powder Coating Institute, 6 September 2016 (Website: http://www. powdercoating.org/) Copyright Powder Coating Institute 2016
European Commission Grants Clearance to Allnex and Nuplex Business Merger Allnex has announced that the European Commission has granted clearance for
C OAT I N G S Allnex and Nuplex to combine their businesses. This is one of the final milestones in the process of creating what is intended to be one of the leading industrial coating resins companies globally. Upon closing, the new headquarters of the combined company will be Frankfurt am Main in Germany, in a region with a longstanding tradition in the chemical industry. This heritage in combination with Frankfurt's excellent infrastructure and logistical links make it an ideal location. Minister-President of the State of Hesse, Volker Bouffier, has welcomed the choice of Frankfurt. Frankfurt will be the new headquarters of the combined company. "The decision to choose Frankfurt for the future company's headquarters was taken with the intention of establishing a new location, symbolizing a fresh start for our new company. We look forward to a future of strength, growth and diversity,'' said Rich Alexander, former Executive Vice President of PPG, who will act as Chairman of the new company's Advisory Committee. Miguel Mantas, who joined Allnex as CEO at the beginning of 2016, will become the CEO of the new company. He commented: "We will be stronger as one. Allnex and Nuplex share a commitment to high quality, innovation and responsiveness to the needs of customers in the coating resins sector. I am proud to be bringing our two companies together, and I am confident that our combined expertise will allow the new entity to move forward to great success.'' Nuplex and Allnex serve a wide range of coating end markets Including: automotive OEM, aerospace, industrial, protective, marine and decorative paint. Ron Ayles, a Managing Partner at Advent International and head of the firm's global chemicals practice, said, "There is a strong strategic logic for combining Allnex and Nuplex. The new company will be the leading global industrial coating resins producer. One of the most important results of this business combination will be that customers will have access to a wider global manufacturing network, and broader and more innovative product ranges based on state-of-the art technologies.'' The transaction is expected to be completed on September 13, 2016. The corporate identity of the new company will be announced on that day.
Original Source: Allnex, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 9 September 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright Allnex 2016
BioAmber’s Succinic Acid JV with Mitsui Attains Operational Milestone BioAmber has announced that its joint venture with Mitsui & Co. has achieved the final operational milestone set out in a CAD
3
FOCUS $20 million commercial loan that the joint venture drew down in 2015. BioAmber Sarnia demonstrated performance levels validating commercial operation, as defined in its loan agreement with Comerica Bank, Export Development Canada (EDC) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The Performance Indicators for the Sarnia Manufacturing Facility Includes: overall efficiency of BioAmber's proprietary biotechnology in fermentation, the plant's throughput and output in continuous operation and the quality of the final product. This milestone is further evidence that the Sarnia plant is operating well, as recently disclosed in BioAmber's Q2 2016 operating results. BioAmber Sarnia has also demonstrated the performance targets that Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) had originally set for the project. These include targets related to greenhouse gas emissions and financial performance. SDTC has completed its third-party validation of Sarnia's performance and approved the final grant payment of CAD$1.45 million to BioAmber. "Our lenders had set out rigorous performance criteria for the Sarnia facility and achieving these milestones is independent validation of how well our plant is operating,'' said Fabrice Orecchioni, BioAmber's Chief Operating Officer. "Our facility is the world's largest succinic acid plant and our variable costs are competitive with petro-succinic acid at current oil prices. With Sarnia up and running, BioAmber has established itself as a global leader in renewable chemicals,'' he added.
Original Source: BioAmber, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 2 September 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright BioAmber 2016
European Bioeconomy and GreenTech Invite Participants for Biobased Events Wageningen University students have compiled a list of several bioeconomy and sustainability challenges to be solved by the end of the year. In the past year, GreenTech developments such as potato-based plastics, microalgae-based bitumen and bacteria-based street lighting, have begun to change the way Europeans see, and become inspired by, nature in the production of innovative and sustainable products. Other circular economy challenges have also been presented at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, or through biohacking spaces. Companies such as Unilever and ProRail present challenges and applicable solutions when given the opportunity to do so with these challenges. The Sustainability Challenge award will be presented in Amsterdam in October. At the International
4
ON
POWDER
BioBased Economy Student SymbioSUM, a conference and think tank is held for students and experts to meet and discuss new bio-based solutions. Participants are invited to 'Rethink Your Oil-Based Day' by implementing bio-based solutions in everyday situations. Ideas can then be developed and presented to policy makers and investors. This event took place between 28 and 31 August in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Finally, the 2016 edition of the Project Green Challenge, which began in 2011, is a small-scale DIY challenge in which universities worldwide compete to improve awareness of biohacking, lifestyle and ecoliving. The final of the event will take place in San Francisco, US, where winners will be announced throughout October. Additionally, participants will be able to attend a threeday summit, where environmental leaders collaborate to create innovative platforms for sustainable action in climate, environment, transport, health and energy.
Original Source: GreenTech Media, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 23 August 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright GreenTech Media 2016
Leaf Resources & Claeris Partner to Form JV to Develop Renewable Chemicals Leaf Resources has announced the signing of binding legal agreements with US-based project developer Claeris, LLC ("Claeris''), to establish a joint venture (JV) entity, Leaf Development, LLC ("Leaf Development''), for the purpose of developing up to five renewable chemical projects that utilize Leaf Resources' proprietary GlycellTM process. Claeris' professional and investment networks, development skills, and transactional experience, combined with the Leaf Resources' innovative GlycellTM process, provides Leaf Development with the tools necessary to deliver high quality, financially attractive renewable chemical projects. Michael Slaney, Managing Partner of Claeris, commented: "We have reviewed many emerging technologies in the renewable chemical sector, but we have not seen anything quite as revolutionary and potentially profitable as Leaf's GlycellTM process. After a detailed technical and financial review of the GlycellTM technology, we are convinced that Leaf has the best process on which to base a platform company of renewable chemical projects. We are confident that we can secure the key project partners necessary to quickly develop our first project.'' The joint venture arrangement with Claeris provides significant additional opportunities for the deployment of the GlycellTM process across a variety of biomass sources in a number of
C OAT I N G S jurisdictions. In particular, Claeris has identified development opportunities using empty fruit bunches in Asia and hard woods in the US and will actively pursue these development projects. Claeris and Leaf share the view that a Develop, License, and Own model ("DLO model'') is the optimal model for the deployment of technology in the renewable chemicals industry. The DLO model to be employed by Leaf Development results in the sharing of all development and license related revenues, as well as founders' equity in each of the operating projects. Leaf Resources will provide a license for its GlycellTM process and technical expertise as required. The agreements, which are subject to performance hurdles for both Claeris and Leaf Resources, allow for Leaf Resources to own up to 75% of Leaf Development. Leaf Resources' previously announced joint ventures and MOUs with Monaghan Mushrooms, ZeaChem, and projects related to rice husks are excluded from the Claeris arrangement. Leaf Resources will continue to develop these pre-existing partnerships. Claeris will invest USD $500,000 in Leaf Resources at an issue price of AUD $0.125 per share and will also be issued approximately 1,560,000 options in Leaf Resources at an exercise price of $0.1375. The options have a five-year term, with onethird vesting each year after issue. While the scale of the first facility is not yet finalized, the parties believe a facility with a feedstock capacity of 100,000 bone dry tones per annum makes economic and technical sense. In summary, Leaf Resources has outsourced new project development to Claeris, a well-connected, well-credentialed, successful project developer who has also taken an equity interest in Leaf Resources. The transaction structure incentivizes Claeris to develop a financially attractive platform company of renewable chemical production facilities and provides Leaf Resources with a quicker, more profitable and secure path to commercialization.
Original Source: Claeris, LLC, Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 16 August 2016. (Website: http://www. specialchem4coatings.com) Copyright Claeris, LLC 2016
TECHNOLOGY Thermal behavior of new blocked polyisocyanates for polyurethane powder coatings In this study, the thermal behavior of new blocked polyisocyanate crosslinkers for polyurethane powder coatings was investigated. Blocked polyisocyanates were synthesized on the basis of biuretization
October 2016