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Albemarle acquires full stake in Chinese antioxidant joint ventures, relocates HQ
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FOR
POLY POL YMERS
ISSN 0306-3747 September 2008
www.additivesforpolymers.com
Albemarle acquires full stake in Chinese antioxidant joint ventures, relocates HQ
M
ajor polymer stabilizer producer Albemarle Corp has completed its acquisition of 100% ownership of two polymer additive joint ventures in China: Ningbo Jinhai Albemarle Chemical & Industry Co, Ltd and Shanghai Jinhai Albemarle Fine Chemicals Co, Ltd. Both operations specialize in the manufacture and supply of polymer antioxidants and associated intermediates.
The development comes less than a year after Albemarle raised its stake in the Jinhai Albemarle JVs from a minority 25% to a majority 75% [ADPO, September 2007]. With the new, 100% ownership agreement, both facilities are now wholly owned subsidiaries of Albemarle Corp. By taking full ownership of these two integrated production sites in China and doubling antioxidant production capacity at the Shanghai facility [ibid, May 2008], Albemarle is now the leading manufacturer and supplier of polymer antioxidants in China and one of the top suppliers worldwide, according to John Sun, division VP of Albemarle’s stabilizers and curatives business and managing director of the company’s China operations. ‘Our aim is to continue to provide even broader solutions for our customers in China and the growing regional and global marketplace,’ Sun says. The acquisition of the full stake in Jinhai Albemarle is
the ‘latest step forward’ in the company’s Vision 2010 strategy to drive financial and operational excellence by using its ‘capacity for innovation to address societal challenges’, Albemarle says. The company expects to make ‘significant progress’ towards its strategic growth objectives, as well as to become the number one green solutions provider to its chosen markets, including polymer additives, according to president and CEO Mark Rohr. ‘Our growing workforce and productivity in China will play an important role in that strategy,’ he explains. As part of the ongoing series of strategic changes designed to strengthen the sustainability of the company and establish a platform for future growth, Albemarle also recently announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Richmond, VA, USA, to Baton Rouge in Louisiana. ‘We are focused on maximizing Albemarle’s global position to create long-term value and momentum, and relocating our corporate HQ to Louisiana is a key element of this strategy,’ says Rohr. The company has been considering combining executive and administrative offices for some time and evaluated several cities in the southeast of the USA. Baton Rouge is a major site for Albemarle, with more than 600 employees, and is close to many key customers and suppliers. Continued on Page 6...
Contents MATERIALS Ampacet unveils improved UV absorber for PET Carbolytic Materials develops carbon black alternative Rohm and Haas announces stabilizer innovation for cellular PVC trim BASF plasticizer ahead in eco-efficiency rating Americhem, Cocona co-develop unique masterbatch for clothing fabrics New Datacolor software offers superior colour matching
2 2 2 3 4 4
COMPANY STRATEGIES Albemarle acquires full stake in Chinese antioxidant joint ventures, relocates HQ 1,6 Dow acquires Rohm and Haas in US$18.8 billion deal 5 BASF to build second plant for production of oxidized waxes 6 Solvay sells Priex business to Addcomp Holland 6 Rockwood Holdings acquires Holliday Pigments 7 Lanxess makes pigment acquisition in China 7 PolyOne expands Asian operations, streamlines organization and assets 8 Latest round of pricing increases affecting polymer additives and colorants 9 FINANCIALS Albemarle reports 10% sales growth in 2Q 2008 boosted by polymer additives 10 Cytec Industries achieves second quarter growth 10 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Deca-BDE loses RoHS exemption, EBFRIP fights ban 11 EVENTS CALENDAR
12
ISSN 0306-3747/08 ©2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.
STRATEGIES
...continued from front page Other factors in the choice of the Louisiana location were the level of collaboration between the State administration, the City of Baton Rouge and the local business community to meet the company’s needs, Albemarle says. ‘With a US$15 million catalyst manufacturing expansion well under way, a new, $6 million polymer R&D lab under construction, and a multi-million dollar renovation of our downtown offices in progress, Albemarle is raising its stake in both the state and local economies’, Rohr concludes. Contact: Albemarle Corp, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Tel: +1 225 388 7402, Web: www.albemarle.com
BASF to build second plant for production of oxidized waxes
G
erman chemicals giant BASF SE is to begin construction of a second oxidizing plant for the production of synthetic waxes at its Ludwigshafen site in late 2008. From 2010 the plant will produce several thousand tonnes per year of oxidized waxes using a process developed by BASF. Current production capacity at the site will be doubled as a result. The waxes are used primarily in plastics processing.
As in the existing plant, which has been in operation for more than ten years, the raw material – low-density polyethylene (PE) waxes – will come from the site’s own polymerization plants. This fits with BASF’s integrated ‘Verbund’ raw materials and energy system at Ludwigshafen. In addition to building the new plant, the company says it will also modernize the existing plant for PE waxes. The total investment will be about 10 million. BASF expects ‘attractive growth opportunities’ for its wax products as demand for plastics increases around the world, says Dr Thomas Greindl, head of European Marketing BASF Care Chemicals & Formulators. Marketed worldwide to the specialities segment, the waxes are used primarily as plastics processing additives, for example, as lubricating and dispersing agents in PVC, and to aid dispersion of coloured pigments in masterbatches. They also find applications in shoe,
6
Additives for Polymers
adpo_sept08.indd 6
car and floor polishes, in printing, toothpastes and the protection of citrus fruits, among others. The waxes are available in the form of powders, fine powders, granules, pastilles or as liquid emulsions. In other news, BASF recently confirmed its financial outlook for 2008 despite signs of weakening growth in the chemical industry. For the current year, the company has revised its assumptions for growth in global chemical production, oil price and dollar/euro exchange rate but is still aiming to increase sales and to improve EBIT before special items slightly in 2008, says chairman Dr Jürgen Hambrecht. BASF also announced that it is aiming to achieve an EBITDA margin of 18% for the next five years, based on the assumptions of an unchanged portfolio, a Brent oil price of US$100 per barrel and an exchange rate of $1.40 to $1.50 per euro. In the same period, BASF aims to post average volume growth two percentage points above the chemical market. Contact: BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Tel: +49 621 60 0, Web: www.basf.com
Solvay sells Priex business to Addcomp Holland
B
elgium’s Solvay SA has sold its Priex functionalized additives business to Addcomp Holland BV, the specialist supplier of one-pack additive systems, for an undisclosed sum. The deal covers the Priex technology, production equipment, patents and global customer portfolio.
The Priex product range comprises functionalized maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefin (MAgPO) homopolymers and copolymers, ionomers and emulsions, which are used to substantially enhance the mechanical, thermal and processing properties of olefin-based polymers and composites. In addition, they can be used as protective coatings on beverage cans, to join multi-material assemblies, as coupling agents for glass- and natural-fibre reinforced composites, and to compatibilize olefin blends and alloys. The Priex resins are mainly available in pellet form and used, typically, at concentrations of 2–5% by weight. Some grades are water-based emulsions. The strategic fit for Priex within Solvay’s activities in the
September 2008
08/09/2008 15:14:23
FOR
POLY POL YMERS
ISSN 0306-3747 September 2008
www.additivesforpolymers.com
Albemarle acquires full stake in Chinese antioxidant joint ventures, relocates HQ
M
ajor polymer stabilizer producer Albemarle Corp has completed its acquisition of 100% ownership of two polymer additive joint ventures in China: Ningbo Jinhai Albemarle Chemical & Industry Co, Ltd and Shanghai Jinhai Albemarle Fine Chemicals Co, Ltd. Both operations specialize in the manufacture and supply of polymer antioxidants and associated intermediates.
The development comes less than a year after Albemarle raised its stake in the Jinhai Albemarle JVs from a minority 25% to a majority 75% [ADPO, September 2007]. With the new, 100% ownership agreement, both facilities are now wholly owned subsidiaries of Albemarle Corp. By taking full ownership of these two integrated production sites in China and doubling antioxidant production capacity at the Shanghai facility [ibid, May 2008], Albemarle is now the leading manufacturer and supplier of polymer antioxidants in China and one of the top suppliers worldwide, according to John Sun, division VP of Albemarle’s stabilizers and curatives business and managing director of the company’s China operations. ‘Our aim is to continue to provide even broader solutions for our customers in China and the growing regional and global marketplace,’ Sun says. The acquisition of the full stake in Jinhai Albemarle is
the ‘latest step forward’ in the company’s Vision 2010 strategy to drive financial and operational excellence by using its ‘capacity for innovation to address societal challenges’, Albemarle says. The company expects to make ‘significant progress’ towards its strategic growth objectives, as well as to become the number one green solutions provider to its chosen markets, including polymer additives, according to president and CEO Mark Rohr. ‘Our growing workforce and productivity in China will play an important role in that strategy,’ he explains. As part of the ongoing series of strategic changes designed to strengthen the sustainability of the company and establish a platform for future growth, Albemarle also recently announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Richmond, VA, USA, to Baton Rouge in Louisiana. ‘We are focused on maximizing Albemarle’s global position to create long-term value and momentum, and relocating our corporate HQ to Louisiana is a key element of this strategy,’ says Rohr. The company has been considering combining executive and administrative offices for some time and evaluated several cities in the southeast of the USA. Baton Rouge is a major site for Albemarle, with more than 600 employees, and is close to many key customers and suppliers. Continued on Page 6...
Contents MATERIALS Ampacet unveils improved UV absorber for PET Carbolytic Materials develops carbon black alternative Rohm and Haas announces stabilizer innovation for cellular PVC trim BASF plasticizer ahead in eco-efficiency rating Americhem, Cocona co-develop unique masterbatch for clothing fabrics New Datacolor software offers superior colour matching
2 2 2 3 4 4
COMPANY STRATEGIES Albemarle acquires full stake in Chinese antioxidant joint ventures, relocates HQ 1,6 Dow acquires Rohm and Haas in US$18.8 billion deal 5 BASF to build second plant for production of oxidized waxes 6 Solvay sells Priex business to Addcomp Holland 6 Rockwood Holdings acquires Holliday Pigments 7 Lanxess makes pigment acquisition in China 7 PolyOne expands Asian operations, streamlines organization and assets 8 Latest round of pricing increases affecting polymer additives and colorants 9 FINANCIALS Albemarle reports 10% sales growth in 2Q 2008 boosted by polymer additives 10 Cytec Industries achieves second quarter growth 10 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Deca-BDE loses RoHS exemption, EBFRIP fights ban 11 EVENTS CALENDAR
12
ISSN 0306-3747/08 ©2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.
STRATEGIES
...continued from front page Other factors in the choice of the Louisiana location were the level of collaboration between the State administration, the City of Baton Rouge and the local business community to meet the company’s needs, Albemarle says. ‘With a US$15 million catalyst manufacturing expansion well under way, a new, $6 million polymer R&D lab under construction, and a multi-million dollar renovation of our downtown offices in progress, Albemarle is raising its stake in both the state and local economies’, Rohr concludes. Contact: Albemarle Corp, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Tel: +1 225 388 7402, Web: www.albemarle.com
BASF to build second plant for production of oxidized waxes
G
erman chemicals giant BASF SE is to begin construction of a second oxidizing plant for the production of synthetic waxes at its Ludwigshafen site in late 2008. From 2010 the plant will produce several thousand tonnes per year of oxidized waxes using a process developed by BASF. Current production capacity at the site will be doubled as a result. The waxes are used primarily in plastics processing.
As in the existing plant, which has been in operation for more than ten years, the raw material – low-density polyethylene (PE) waxes – will come from the site’s own polymerization plants. This fits with BASF’s integrated ‘Verbund’ raw materials and energy system at Ludwigshafen. In addition to building the new plant, the company says it will also modernize the existing plant for PE waxes. The total investment will be about 10 million. BASF expects ‘attractive growth opportunities’ for its wax products as demand for plastics increases around the world, says Dr Thomas Greindl, head of European Marketing BASF Care Chemicals & Formulators. Marketed worldwide to the specialities segment, the waxes are used primarily as plastics processing additives, for example, as lubricating and dispersing agents in PVC, and to aid dispersion of coloured pigments in masterbatches. They also find applications in shoe,
6
Additives for Polymers
adpo_sept08.indd 6
car and floor polishes, in printing, toothpastes and the protection of citrus fruits, among others. The waxes are available in the form of powders, fine powders, granules, pastilles or as liquid emulsions. In other news, BASF recently confirmed its financial outlook for 2008 despite signs of weakening growth in the chemical industry. For the current year, the company has revised its assumptions for growth in global chemical production, oil price and dollar/euro exchange rate but is still aiming to increase sales and to improve EBIT before special items slightly in 2008, says chairman Dr Jürgen Hambrecht. BASF also announced that it is aiming to achieve an EBITDA margin of 18% for the next five years, based on the assumptions of an unchanged portfolio, a Brent oil price of US$100 per barrel and an exchange rate of $1.40 to $1.50 per euro. In the same period, BASF aims to post average volume growth two percentage points above the chemical market. Contact: BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. Tel: +49 621 60 0, Web: www.basf.com
Solvay sells Priex business to Addcomp Holland
B
elgium’s Solvay SA has sold its Priex functionalized additives business to Addcomp Holland BV, the specialist supplier of one-pack additive systems, for an undisclosed sum. The deal covers the Priex technology, production equipment, patents and global customer portfolio.
The Priex product range comprises functionalized maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefin (MAgPO) homopolymers and copolymers, ionomers and emulsions, which are used to substantially enhance the mechanical, thermal and processing properties of olefin-based polymers and composites. In addition, they can be used as protective coatings on beverage cans, to join multi-material assemblies, as coupling agents for glass- and natural-fibre reinforced composites, and to compatibilize olefin blends and alloys. The Priex resins are mainly available in pellet form and used, typically, at concentrations of 2–5% by weight. Some grades are water-based emulsions. The strategic fit for Priex within Solvay’s activities in the
September 2008
08/09/2008 15:14:23