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BASF strengthens its enzyme technology footprint
FOCUS oz. A table details recycling of platinum, palladium and rhodium from autocatalyst, electrical and jewellery for 2011 and 2012. Platinum and palladium recycling by sector are illustrated in histograms. Original Source: Johnson Matthey Platinum, May 2013, (2013), 21-22 (Johnson Matthey PLC, Precious Metals Marketing, Orchard Road, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 5HE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1763 256315; Fax: +44 (0)1763 256338. Website: http://www.platinum.matthey.com) © Johnson Matthey plc 2013
USA funds four firms for biofuels The Department of Energy will allocate a total of up to $18 M to fund four pilot-scale biorefineries to investigate jet fuel and diesel for defence applications. BioProcess Algae, which will make hydrocarbons from algae fed with cellulosic sugars, will receive the biggest award at $6.2 M. The rest of the grant recipients, Mercurius Biorefining, Frontline BioEnergy and Cobalt Technologies, will produce fuels from biomass. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 29 Apr 2013, 91 (17), 14-15 (Website: http://www.cenonline.org) © American Chemical Society 2013
COMPANY NEWS Almac secures BBSRC programme with UCL UK-based Almac biocatalysis group under the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) programme, along with University College London (UCL) will develop metagenomics and novel enzymes. Almac and the departments of Biochemical Engineering and Chemistry at UCL will put high level input in the field of biocatalyst discovery and application. The project will use bioinformatic tools developed at UCL in the discovery of metagenomes. The project will mainly focus on transaminase and cytochrome P450s enzymes. Original Source: BioSpace, 13 May 2013, (Website: http://www.biospace.com). Original Source: PBR Pharmaceutical Business Review, 17 May 2013, (Website: http://www.pharmaceutical-businessreview.com/) © PBR 2013
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BASF in 2012: catalysts Compared with the previous year, sales in BASF’s Catalysts Division decreased by €196 M to €6184 M (volumes -5%, prices -7%, portfolio 4%, currencies 5%). This was particularly due to the reduced contribution from precious metal trading as a result of lower prices and volumes. By contrast, acquisitions to expand its new Battery Materials business unit had a positive effect on sales. BASF’s Catalysts Division was able to increase sales volumes for its mobile emissions catalysts, primarily in Asia Pacific and North America. By contrast, volumes fell in Europe owing to the weak economy. While demand for cars declined significantly in Europe, it grew in North and South America as well as in the emerging markets of Asia. Demand remained high for heavy duty diesel-engine vehicles in Europe and North America. Sales increased significantly for chemical catalysts, which was primarily attributable to greater demand and positive currency effects. Sales in precious metal trading fell by €316 M due to lower prices and volumes, amounting to €2544 M. Despite the overall favourable market environment and increases in productivity, income from operations declined in 2012. This was predominantly due to higher raw material costs and costs for the new Battery Materials business unit. The Catalyst’s Division expects to significantly raise sales in 2013. This growth will likely be boosted by higher demand from the automotive and chemical industries. Furthermore, it is assumed that prices will increase for precious and base metals. BASF’s programs for improving operational excellence will continue to help reduce costs and improve efficiency. BASF aims to significantly exceed the earnings level of 2012. A chart provides a geographic breakdown of global sales in 2012. Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (26 Feb 2013) © BASF 2013
BASF plans to begin production of renewable BDO using Genomatica’s technology BASF plans to begin production of 1,4-butanediol based on renewable feedstock (renewable BDO) using the
patented process of US firm Genomatica. The one-step fermentation process is based on sugars as a renewable feedstock. The license agreement allows BASF to build a world-scale production facility that will use the Genomatica process to manufacture BDO based on renewable feedstock. Under the terms of the agreement, Genomatica will continue to advance its patented renewable BDO production process technology based on sugars, while BASF will produce renewable BDO, which will be available in 2H 2013 for sampling and trials. BASF currently produces BDO and BDO-equivalents at its sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany; Geismar, LA, USA; Chiba, Japan; Kuantan, Malaysia; and Caojing, China, and has a capacity of 535,000 tonne/y. BASF recently announced the intention of building a BDO complex in China with a capacity of 100,000 tonne/y. Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (10 May 2013) © BASF 2013. Original Source: Chemie Aktuell, 10 May 2013, (Website: http://www.maerkte-weltweit.de) (in German) © MBM Martin Brueckner Medien GmbH 2013. Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 10 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4coatings.com). Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Plastics and Elastomers Formulation, 13 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4polymers.com). Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Adhesives and Sealants Formulation, 13 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4adhesives.com). Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Cosmetics and Personal Care Innovation and Solutions, 15 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4cosmetics.com)
BASF strengthens its enzyme technology footprint With three separate transactions, BASF has strengthened its technology footprint in industrial enzymes, one of BASF’s identified growth fields: BASF has completed the acquisition of Henkel’s detergents enzyme technology; additionally, BASF has entered into a research and license agreement with the global biotechnology company Dyadic International Inc, Jupiter, FL, which provides access to a new production host technology; and furthermore, BASF has signed a R&D collaboration agreement with Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Cologne, Germany, to develop a highly efficient feed enzyme for animal nutrition. All
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FOCUS transactions will provide BASF with know-how in strategic industries including animal and human nutrition, detergents and cleaners. “The acquired technologies are a prerequisite to develop and further strengthen our enzyme technology platform for attractive global market segments. We will use the acquired know-how and technology for the efficient development of future innovative customer solutions,” said Michael Heinz, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. In order to complement its position as a comprehensive supplier of differentiating ingredients to the detergents and cleaning industry, BASF completed the acquisition of Henkel’s detergents enzyme technology, comprising production hosts, various detergent enzymes, as well as corresponding intellectual property. Under the agreement, Henkel retains the right to use the technology for captive demand including back-licensing provisions. Enzymes are key performance ingredients in modern detergent formulations. Expanding into enzyme technology will increase BASF’s position as an innovation leader in the home care and industrial & institutional cleaning industry. In addition, BASF and Dyadic International Inc, announced on 15 May 2013 that the two companies have entered into a non-exclusive worldwide research and license agreement for Dyadic’s C1 production host technology. Under the terms of the license agreement BASF will be able to use Dyadic’s patented and proprietary C1 technology for gene discovery, expression, and the production of enzymes and other proteins. BASF will fund R&D at Dyadic’s research labs. Moreover, BASF and Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH are broadening their collaboration on enzymes for animal nutrition. Direvo, an expert in enzyme development and optimization, and BASF will jointly develop a highly efficient protease for pig and poultry. Proteases are increasingly used in animal nutrition to improve the digestibility of soy. This new product will help animals to make better use of the nutrients in their diet and support their well-being. The protease will complement BASF’s feed enzyme portfolio and is a further
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step for BASF to extend its position as a leader in animal nutrition. In its “We create chemistry” strategy, BASF has identified growth and technology fields which address new areas of activity for BASF. At the core are areas driven mainly by world population growth: resources, environment and climate; food and nutrition and quality of life. On this basis, BASF sees innovation and growth potential in several customer industries. Enzymes are enablers for the development of future sustainable innovative solutions in a variety of applications particularly in consumer-driven industries.
the next 18 months, in particular, its polypropylene licensing and catalyst and plastic additives business. In Oct 2012, Dow also announced plans to terminate 2400 jobs and to close 20 manufacturing plants to cut $500 M off its annual costs over the next two years. Deals to sell the stabilizers component of its plastics additives business and 50% of its ownership in Nippon Unicar Co have also been made.
Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (15 May 2013) © BASF 2013
Dow Chemical Co research fellow Jerzy Klosin to receive SCI Gordon E Moore Medal
New head of catalysts division at BASF Kenneth T Lane, currently Senior Vice President, Isocyanates Europe, located in Brussels, Belgium, will become President of BASF’s Catalysts division headquartered in Iselin, NJ, effective 1 Jun 2013. He succeeds Frank A Bozich, who has decided to leave the company. Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (2 May 2013) © BASF 2013
Cormetech sales of COMET mercury oxidation SCR catalyst top 7000 MW in 2013 Multiple utilities have applied Cormetech’s COMET SCR catalyst technology in consideration of the EPA MATS rule which requires a decrease in the amount of mercury emissions. Over the past two years, Cormetech has designed and commissioned multiple unique solutions of this cutting edge technology to increase Mercury Oxidation and bolster reliability and compliance as a key co-benefit supporting a sound MATS strategy. Original Source: Cormetech, 2013. Found on PR Newswire, 3 May 2013, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)
Dow makes $1.5 bn divestiture plans US chemical company Dow is targeting to divest almost $1.5 bn over
Original Source: Chemistry World, May 2013, 10 (5), 19, website: http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld © Royal Society of Chemistry 2013
The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), America Section, will award the 10th annual SCI Gordon E Moore Medal to Dr Jerzy Klosin, Research Fellow, Dow Chemical Co, at a luncheon in his honour on Innovation Day 2013. The luncheon, which will be held on 17 Sep 2013 at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) headquarters in Philadelphia, is a joint event hosted by SCI and CHF, which gathers more than 150 leading researchers from industrial laboratories to discuss current trends and issues in chemical research. The SCI established the Gordon E Moore Medal to recognize early-career success in innovation, as reflected both in market impact and improvement to quality of life. Dr Klosin is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of industrial chemistry in the discovery, scale-up, and commercialisation of a new generation of catalysts used in the production of a wide range of important polyolefins including ELITE, AFFINITY, ENGAGE, INFUSE, and NORDEL. Original Source: Dow Chemical Co, 2030, Dow Centre, Midland, MI 48642, USA, tel: +1 989 636 1000, fax: +1 989 636 3518, website: http://www.dow.com (6 May 2013) © The Dow Chemical Company 2013
DuPont honoured for its commitment in advancing development of biobased economy The Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals (SBFC) awarded DuPont with its 2013 JULY 2013
USA funds four firms for biofuels The Department of Energy will allocate a total of up to $18 M to fund four pilot-scale biorefineries to investigate jet fuel and diesel for defence applications. BioProcess Algae, which will make hydrocarbons from algae fed with cellulosic sugars, will receive the biggest award at $6.2 M. The rest of the grant recipients, Mercurius Biorefining, Frontline BioEnergy and Cobalt Technologies, will produce fuels from biomass. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 29 Apr 2013, 91 (17), 14-15 (Website: http://www.cenonline.org) © American Chemical Society 2013
COMPANY NEWS Almac secures BBSRC programme with UCL UK-based Almac biocatalysis group under the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) programme, along with University College London (UCL) will develop metagenomics and novel enzymes. Almac and the departments of Biochemical Engineering and Chemistry at UCL will put high level input in the field of biocatalyst discovery and application. The project will use bioinformatic tools developed at UCL in the discovery of metagenomes. The project will mainly focus on transaminase and cytochrome P450s enzymes. Original Source: BioSpace, 13 May 2013, (Website: http://www.biospace.com). Original Source: PBR Pharmaceutical Business Review, 17 May 2013, (Website: http://www.pharmaceutical-businessreview.com/) © PBR 2013
JULY 2013
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BASF in 2012: catalysts Compared with the previous year, sales in BASF’s Catalysts Division decreased by €196 M to €6184 M (volumes -5%, prices -7%, portfolio 4%, currencies 5%). This was particularly due to the reduced contribution from precious metal trading as a result of lower prices and volumes. By contrast, acquisitions to expand its new Battery Materials business unit had a positive effect on sales. BASF’s Catalysts Division was able to increase sales volumes for its mobile emissions catalysts, primarily in Asia Pacific and North America. By contrast, volumes fell in Europe owing to the weak economy. While demand for cars declined significantly in Europe, it grew in North and South America as well as in the emerging markets of Asia. Demand remained high for heavy duty diesel-engine vehicles in Europe and North America. Sales increased significantly for chemical catalysts, which was primarily attributable to greater demand and positive currency effects. Sales in precious metal trading fell by €316 M due to lower prices and volumes, amounting to €2544 M. Despite the overall favourable market environment and increases in productivity, income from operations declined in 2012. This was predominantly due to higher raw material costs and costs for the new Battery Materials business unit. The Catalyst’s Division expects to significantly raise sales in 2013. This growth will likely be boosted by higher demand from the automotive and chemical industries. Furthermore, it is assumed that prices will increase for precious and base metals. BASF’s programs for improving operational excellence will continue to help reduce costs and improve efficiency. BASF aims to significantly exceed the earnings level of 2012. A chart provides a geographic breakdown of global sales in 2012. Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (26 Feb 2013) © BASF 2013
BASF plans to begin production of renewable BDO using Genomatica’s technology BASF plans to begin production of 1,4-butanediol based on renewable feedstock (renewable BDO) using the
patented process of US firm Genomatica. The one-step fermentation process is based on sugars as a renewable feedstock. The license agreement allows BASF to build a world-scale production facility that will use the Genomatica process to manufacture BDO based on renewable feedstock. Under the terms of the agreement, Genomatica will continue to advance its patented renewable BDO production process technology based on sugars, while BASF will produce renewable BDO, which will be available in 2H 2013 for sampling and trials. BASF currently produces BDO and BDO-equivalents at its sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany; Geismar, LA, USA; Chiba, Japan; Kuantan, Malaysia; and Caojing, China, and has a capacity of 535,000 tonne/y. BASF recently announced the intention of building a BDO complex in China with a capacity of 100,000 tonne/y. Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (10 May 2013) © BASF 2013. Original Source: Chemie Aktuell, 10 May 2013, (Website: http://www.maerkte-weltweit.de) (in German) © MBM Martin Brueckner Medien GmbH 2013. Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Coatings and Inks Formulation, 10 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4coatings.com). Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Plastics and Elastomers Formulation, 13 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4polymers.com). Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Adhesives and Sealants Formulation, 13 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4adhesives.com). Original Source: BASF, 2013. Found on SpecialChem Cosmetics and Personal Care Innovation and Solutions, 15 May 2013, (Website: http://www.specialchem4cosmetics.com)
BASF strengthens its enzyme technology footprint With three separate transactions, BASF has strengthened its technology footprint in industrial enzymes, one of BASF’s identified growth fields: BASF has completed the acquisition of Henkel’s detergents enzyme technology; additionally, BASF has entered into a research and license agreement with the global biotechnology company Dyadic International Inc, Jupiter, FL, which provides access to a new production host technology; and furthermore, BASF has signed a R&D collaboration agreement with Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Cologne, Germany, to develop a highly efficient feed enzyme for animal nutrition. All
3
FOCUS transactions will provide BASF with know-how in strategic industries including animal and human nutrition, detergents and cleaners. “The acquired technologies are a prerequisite to develop and further strengthen our enzyme technology platform for attractive global market segments. We will use the acquired know-how and technology for the efficient development of future innovative customer solutions,” said Michael Heinz, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. In order to complement its position as a comprehensive supplier of differentiating ingredients to the detergents and cleaning industry, BASF completed the acquisition of Henkel’s detergents enzyme technology, comprising production hosts, various detergent enzymes, as well as corresponding intellectual property. Under the agreement, Henkel retains the right to use the technology for captive demand including back-licensing provisions. Enzymes are key performance ingredients in modern detergent formulations. Expanding into enzyme technology will increase BASF’s position as an innovation leader in the home care and industrial & institutional cleaning industry. In addition, BASF and Dyadic International Inc, announced on 15 May 2013 that the two companies have entered into a non-exclusive worldwide research and license agreement for Dyadic’s C1 production host technology. Under the terms of the license agreement BASF will be able to use Dyadic’s patented and proprietary C1 technology for gene discovery, expression, and the production of enzymes and other proteins. BASF will fund R&D at Dyadic’s research labs. Moreover, BASF and Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH are broadening their collaboration on enzymes for animal nutrition. Direvo, an expert in enzyme development and optimization, and BASF will jointly develop a highly efficient protease for pig and poultry. Proteases are increasingly used in animal nutrition to improve the digestibility of soy. This new product will help animals to make better use of the nutrients in their diet and support their well-being. The protease will complement BASF’s feed enzyme portfolio and is a further
4
ON
C ATA LY S T S
step for BASF to extend its position as a leader in animal nutrition. In its “We create chemistry” strategy, BASF has identified growth and technology fields which address new areas of activity for BASF. At the core are areas driven mainly by world population growth: resources, environment and climate; food and nutrition and quality of life. On this basis, BASF sees innovation and growth potential in several customer industries. Enzymes are enablers for the development of future sustainable innovative solutions in a variety of applications particularly in consumer-driven industries.
the next 18 months, in particular, its polypropylene licensing and catalyst and plastic additives business. In Oct 2012, Dow also announced plans to terminate 2400 jobs and to close 20 manufacturing plants to cut $500 M off its annual costs over the next two years. Deals to sell the stabilizers component of its plastics additives business and 50% of its ownership in Nippon Unicar Co have also been made.
Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (15 May 2013) © BASF 2013
Dow Chemical Co research fellow Jerzy Klosin to receive SCI Gordon E Moore Medal
New head of catalysts division at BASF Kenneth T Lane, currently Senior Vice President, Isocyanates Europe, located in Brussels, Belgium, will become President of BASF’s Catalysts division headquartered in Iselin, NJ, effective 1 Jun 2013. He succeeds Frank A Bozich, who has decided to leave the company. Original Source: BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, tel: +49 (0) 621 600, website: http://www.basf.com (2 May 2013) © BASF 2013
Cormetech sales of COMET mercury oxidation SCR catalyst top 7000 MW in 2013 Multiple utilities have applied Cormetech’s COMET SCR catalyst technology in consideration of the EPA MATS rule which requires a decrease in the amount of mercury emissions. Over the past two years, Cormetech has designed and commissioned multiple unique solutions of this cutting edge technology to increase Mercury Oxidation and bolster reliability and compliance as a key co-benefit supporting a sound MATS strategy. Original Source: Cormetech, 2013. Found on PR Newswire, 3 May 2013, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)
Dow makes $1.5 bn divestiture plans US chemical company Dow is targeting to divest almost $1.5 bn over
Original Source: Chemistry World, May 2013, 10 (5), 19, website: http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld © Royal Society of Chemistry 2013
The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), America Section, will award the 10th annual SCI Gordon E Moore Medal to Dr Jerzy Klosin, Research Fellow, Dow Chemical Co, at a luncheon in his honour on Innovation Day 2013. The luncheon, which will be held on 17 Sep 2013 at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) headquarters in Philadelphia, is a joint event hosted by SCI and CHF, which gathers more than 150 leading researchers from industrial laboratories to discuss current trends and issues in chemical research. The SCI established the Gordon E Moore Medal to recognize early-career success in innovation, as reflected both in market impact and improvement to quality of life. Dr Klosin is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of industrial chemistry in the discovery, scale-up, and commercialisation of a new generation of catalysts used in the production of a wide range of important polyolefins including ELITE, AFFINITY, ENGAGE, INFUSE, and NORDEL. Original Source: Dow Chemical Co, 2030, Dow Centre, Midland, MI 48642, USA, tel: +1 989 636 1000, fax: +1 989 636 3518, website: http://www.dow.com (6 May 2013) © The Dow Chemical Company 2013
DuPont honoured for its commitment in advancing development of biobased economy The Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals (SBFC) awarded DuPont with its 2013 JULY 2013