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Asia leads the way in soda ash capacity
F O C U S investment strategy to build on infrastructure that will help to consolidate market position. Opportunities in the European Alkoxylates Market Strategic Review (Ref: MO55-39) is part of the Chemicals & Materials Subscription, which also includes research in the following markets: alkylphenol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates and other alkoxylates. Press release from: Frost & Sullivan, 1040, East Brokaw Road, San Jose, CA 95131-2309, USA. Website: http://www.frost.com (15 Mar 2007)
Amino oil emulsifier from MR Silicone MR Silicone Industries has launched a combination of nonionic surfactants under the brand name Emulsifier MR. The amino oil emulsifier is specifically developed for micro-emulsification of amino-functional silicone fluids. Purchase, Nov 2006, 29 (11), 95
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS Asia leads the way in soda ash capacity Asia is expected to lead the world in the construction of new soda ash capacity in the next 10 years. Synthetic soda ash capacity is expected to grow fastest in China, followed by India. Global operating rates for soda ash plants have been consistently at 90-99%, rates which are expected to continue for the near future. Soda ash prices are expected to remain at $190-210/tonne for the next 4-5 years. 14% of total demand for soda ash is used in detergent production. Growth in demand for detergents is forecast at 2%. Global trade in soda ash is being driven by demand from the US, China and Eastern Europe. Kenya and Tanzania are becoming net exporters of soda ash. Although exports to the US have been steady, some of this material is being shifted to South America. Market demand for soda ash was 42 M tonnes in 2006 and is projected to increase to 50 M tonnes in 2012, while global capacity is expected to increase from 48 M tonnes to 57 M tonnes. ICIS Chemical Business Americas, 19 Mar 2007, (Website: http://www.icbamericas.com)
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Novozymes expands in India, continues to grow in Asia Novozymes has decided to build new laboratory and office facilities in Bangalore, India, giving it its first research and development activities in that country. The buildings should be ready by the middle of 2008 and will accommodate a staff of 50-60. Novozymes already has sales offices in Bangalore but these facilities are becoming too small. In the first instance, the R&D department will focus on optimizing enzyme functions. India offers a major supply of qualified English-speaking researchers. Novozymes also sees the new unit as a natural bridge to Indian academic institutions and local biotechnology firms that specialize in protein optimization and bioinformatics. The company’s business in Asia has grown substantially in recent years, particularly in the areas of washing products, alcoholic and fizzy soft beverages and the textile industry. Sales there have grown by an average of 10% per annum over the last three years, including in 2006. Asia and Pacific Asia now generate 21% of Novozymes’ turnover, with China in particular driving business forward through its expanding appetite for copying the western lifestyle. The growth in the Asian market for enzymes and microorganisms is expected to continue in the coming years. In its 11th five-year plan, rolled out in 2006, the Chinese government introduced a goal of saving energy, making better use of raw materials, and generally working towards a better environment. This means that Novozymes will be able to continue to sell large numbers of enzymes in China. The company is seeing the same pattern in other Asian countries. In 2006, enzymes for the detergent and starch industries enjoyed a particularly good year in Asia [see also Focus on Surfactants, Apr 2007]. The growth in sales of detergent enzymes is due primarily to rising standards of living. Consumers in Asia are washing their clothes more often, and more are buying their own washing machine and demanding high-quality detergents. More and more detergents in the Asian market now contain enzymes, and
Novozymes has managed to sell enzymes to some of the biggest brands in China. Net Posten, 2 Mar 2007, (Website: http://www.netposten.dk/) (in Danish) & Novozymes Annual Report 2006, 31 Jan 2007, 26-27 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com)
Croda’s Cromollient SCE boosts cleaning power Cromollient SCE from Croda is claimed to lessen the irritation potential of household or institutional cleaning products without affecting their cleaning power. The product, a 100% active, patented ester, provides a soft after-feel to hands while improving the efficiency of most applications such as shower and tub cleaners, dishwashing soap and disinfecting wipes. It can be integrated with most surfactants and cleaning systems to boost mildness and produce gentler products without reformulation. When added to 100% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), it is claimed to reduce the irritation to that of distilled water. Cromollient SCE possesses wide pH tolerance, making it suitable for most cleaning products. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Feb 2007, 44 (2 (Part 1 Buyer’s Guide 2007)), 84-85
Green chelating agent Akzo Nobel has launched Dissolvine GL, a biodegradable chelating agent that provides a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to commonly used ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrotriacetic acid. The agent has L-glutamic acid that is biochemically manufactured to produce pure L isomer. The amino acid is modified to yield glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA), a substance that is ideal for clean-in-place applications that utilize cleaning products manufactured at low pH. Chemical Engineering (New York), Feb 2007, 114 (2), 14
Dow launches ‘sustainable’ propylene glycol The Dow Chemical Co announced a significant milestone in its pursuit of sustainable chemistries, with the introduction of monopropylene glycol MAY 2007
Amino oil emulsifier from MR Silicone MR Silicone Industries has launched a combination of nonionic surfactants under the brand name Emulsifier MR. The amino oil emulsifier is specifically developed for micro-emulsification of amino-functional silicone fluids. Purchase, Nov 2006, 29 (11), 95
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS Asia leads the way in soda ash capacity Asia is expected to lead the world in the construction of new soda ash capacity in the next 10 years. Synthetic soda ash capacity is expected to grow fastest in China, followed by India. Global operating rates for soda ash plants have been consistently at 90-99%, rates which are expected to continue for the near future. Soda ash prices are expected to remain at $190-210/tonne for the next 4-5 years. 14% of total demand for soda ash is used in detergent production. Growth in demand for detergents is forecast at 2%. Global trade in soda ash is being driven by demand from the US, China and Eastern Europe. Kenya and Tanzania are becoming net exporters of soda ash. Although exports to the US have been steady, some of this material is being shifted to South America. Market demand for soda ash was 42 M tonnes in 2006 and is projected to increase to 50 M tonnes in 2012, while global capacity is expected to increase from 48 M tonnes to 57 M tonnes. ICIS Chemical Business Americas, 19 Mar 2007, (Website: http://www.icbamericas.com)
4
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Novozymes expands in India, continues to grow in Asia Novozymes has decided to build new laboratory and office facilities in Bangalore, India, giving it its first research and development activities in that country. The buildings should be ready by the middle of 2008 and will accommodate a staff of 50-60. Novozymes already has sales offices in Bangalore but these facilities are becoming too small. In the first instance, the R&D department will focus on optimizing enzyme functions. India offers a major supply of qualified English-speaking researchers. Novozymes also sees the new unit as a natural bridge to Indian academic institutions and local biotechnology firms that specialize in protein optimization and bioinformatics. The company’s business in Asia has grown substantially in recent years, particularly in the areas of washing products, alcoholic and fizzy soft beverages and the textile industry. Sales there have grown by an average of 10% per annum over the last three years, including in 2006. Asia and Pacific Asia now generate 21% of Novozymes’ turnover, with China in particular driving business forward through its expanding appetite for copying the western lifestyle. The growth in the Asian market for enzymes and microorganisms is expected to continue in the coming years. In its 11th five-year plan, rolled out in 2006, the Chinese government introduced a goal of saving energy, making better use of raw materials, and generally working towards a better environment. This means that Novozymes will be able to continue to sell large numbers of enzymes in China. The company is seeing the same pattern in other Asian countries. In 2006, enzymes for the detergent and starch industries enjoyed a particularly good year in Asia [see also Focus on Surfactants, Apr 2007]. The growth in sales of detergent enzymes is due primarily to rising standards of living. Consumers in Asia are washing their clothes more often, and more are buying their own washing machine and demanding high-quality detergents. More and more detergents in the Asian market now contain enzymes, and
Novozymes has managed to sell enzymes to some of the biggest brands in China. Net Posten, 2 Mar 2007, (Website: http://www.netposten.dk/) (in Danish) & Novozymes Annual Report 2006, 31 Jan 2007, 26-27 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com)
Croda’s Cromollient SCE boosts cleaning power Cromollient SCE from Croda is claimed to lessen the irritation potential of household or institutional cleaning products without affecting their cleaning power. The product, a 100% active, patented ester, provides a soft after-feel to hands while improving the efficiency of most applications such as shower and tub cleaners, dishwashing soap and disinfecting wipes. It can be integrated with most surfactants and cleaning systems to boost mildness and produce gentler products without reformulation. When added to 100% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), it is claimed to reduce the irritation to that of distilled water. Cromollient SCE possesses wide pH tolerance, making it suitable for most cleaning products. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Feb 2007, 44 (2 (Part 1 Buyer’s Guide 2007)), 84-85
Green chelating agent Akzo Nobel has launched Dissolvine GL, a biodegradable chelating agent that provides a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to commonly used ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrotriacetic acid. The agent has L-glutamic acid that is biochemically manufactured to produce pure L isomer. The amino acid is modified to yield glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA), a substance that is ideal for clean-in-place applications that utilize cleaning products manufactured at low pH. Chemical Engineering (New York), Feb 2007, 114 (2), 14
Dow launches ‘sustainable’ propylene glycol The Dow Chemical Co announced a significant milestone in its pursuit of sustainable chemistries, with the introduction of monopropylene glycol MAY 2007