- Email: [email protected]
BASF to finance enzyme research in University of Manchester
FOCUS
MARKETS AND BUSINESS Enzymes to 2010 US enzymes demand will grow 6.9%/y through 2010, based on strong gains in key markets such as animal feed, biocatalysts, pharmaceuticals, and starch processing. Pharmaceuticals will remain the largest market and one of the fastest growing. The most rapid growth will occur in animal feed additives, led by phytase. This study analyzes the $1.6 bn US enzyme industry. It presents historical demand data and forecasts for 1995, 2000 and 2005 and forecasts to 2010 and 2015 by product (eg carbohydrases, proteases, polymerases, nucleases, lipases) and by market (eg pharmaceuticals, starch processing, food and beverage processing, research and biotechnology, cleaning products, diagnostics). The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share, and profiles 36 major players including Novozymes, Danisco, Allergan, Genzyme, Genentech, ArcherDaniels-Midland, and Roche. Price: $4300, sections from $30. The Freedonia Group Inc, 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326, USA. Tel: +1 440 684 9600. Fax: +1 440 646 0484. Website: http://www.freedoniagroup.com. E-mail: [email protected] (1 Aug 2006)
Green to go: overview of EPSRC transport research This article forms the first part of a report on EPSRC research into more environmental methods of transport. Hydrogen is believed to offer a good option for greener transport, but obtaining it from methane via steam methane reforming requires lots of energy and generates carbon dioxide. One EPSRC project is focused on developing a better way of extracting hydrogen from methane. Researchers from the universities of Bath, Leeds, and Imperial College London are collaborating in a three-year project to develop a process to simultaneously produce pure hydrogen and a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide ideal for sequestration at operating temperatures of 400-600°C.
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Other EPSRC projects are involved in fuel cell and battery technology development.
to develop catalysts for oil sands, coal-to-liquids, and biomass-to-fuel technologies.
EPSRC Newsline, Autumn 2006, (37), 5-7 (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk)
Chemical and Engineering News, 1 Jan 2007, 85 (1), 12-13 & Chemical Week, 3 Jan 2007, 169 (1), 12
Methanol in China: MTO China is considering the domestic production of olefins based on the Fischer-Tropsch polymerization technology, either directly or through a methanol intermediate phase. The plan is part of an effort to cut the country’s dependence on imported oil and refined products. In Batour, Inner Mongolia, Shenhua is building a coalbased methanol-to-olefins plant, with a capacity to produce 1.8 M tonne/y of methanol and 600,000 tonne/y of downstream polypropylene and polyethylene. Meanwhile, Daqing Petrochemical is looking into the feasibility of developing a 1.65 M tonne/y gas-based methanol and 600,000 tonne/y downstream polypropylene and polyethylene complex in Heilongjiang province. Nitrogen + Syngas, Nov/Dec 2006, (284), 17
COMPANY NEWS
Avantium launches Flowrence Avantium Technologies announced that it has successfully launched Flowrence, a new parallel flow reactor platform for fixed bed catalyst testing. Avantium has supplied the first systems to major oil and petrochemical companies in Europe and the US. The new system allows researchers to test sixteen heterogeneous catalysts in parallel at small scale, under conditions scalable to industrial application. Avantium has developed several proprietary techniques that make the Flowrence a unique system. In addition to Avantium’s automated instrumentation and data handling software, the technology transfer of Flowrence comes with know-how and intellectual property rights, as well as installation, support, and training, tailored to customer needs. Press release from: Avantium Technologies, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014 BV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 586 8080. Fax: +31 20 586 8085. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.avantium.com (7 Dec 2006)
Accelergy funded
BASF integrates Engelhard: 800 jobs to go
Palo Alto, CA, USA-based Accelergy Corp has received $25 M in Series B funding from investors led by Goldman Sachs. The funding will facilitate the company’s research, boost its technology platform, and aid its intellectual property development. Accelergy’s technology is used to facilitate the development and commercialization of advanced catalytic materials. Other investors in the funding are Advent International, Sequoia Capital China, Lux Capital, Nth Power and Technology Partners.
The complete integration of catalyst producer Engelhard with BASF’s operations will result in 800 job cuts. BASF acquired Engelhard for $5.6 bn on 6 Jun 2006 and it expects synergies of $200 M/y by 2010. The catalyst unit and any key related research efforts will be headquartered in Iselin, NJ, USA. The new catalyst unit will be combined with the current chemical catalyst business. BASF North American division (BASF Corp) will still be based at Florham Park, NJ, USA.
Nanotech Report (Forbes/Wolfe), Dec 2006, 5 (12), 7 (Website: http://www.forbesnanotech.com)
TCE (formerly The Chemical Engineer), Dec 2006, (786/7), 8
Albemarle creates fuel technologies division
BASF to finance enzyme research in University of Manchester
Albemarle has set up a new alternative fuel technologies division
BASF is stepping up its operations in the area of enzyme research and has
FEBRUARY 2007
FOCUS now signed a cooperation agreement with the Center of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformation and Biomanufacturing (CoEBio3). The alliance with this research facility affiliated with the University of Manchester is for three years. BASF is funding the activities to the tune of €1 M. BASF uses enzymes for White Biotechnology. These enzymes, called biocatalysts, help to produce new products and improve existing processes. They are used, for instance, to manufacture intermediates for the pharmaceutical industry. However, BASF researchers believe that the range of potential applications is much greater for example, in the production of novel polymers for the cosmetics industry and for surface treatment of textiles. Press release from: BASF Group, Germany. Website: http://media.basf.com (Nov 2006)
BASF and Heidelberg University inaugurate new catalysis research laboratory A new catalysis research laboratory (CaRLa) has been opened by BASF and the Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg’s Technology Park. At the €1.5 M facility, an international research team of six university and six BASF scientists will be working to develop new homogeneous catalysts. The laboratory’s proximity to Heidelberg University and BASF offers ideal conditions for outstanding catalysis research and swift transfer of technology to industry. CaRLa covers the entire spectrum of research from basic research to industry-specific applications. Press release from: BASF Group, Germany. Website: http://media.basf.com (16 Nov 2006) & Chemistry and Industry (London), 4 Dec 2006, (23), 14 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 27 Nov 2006, (361), 9 (in French)
BASF to buy Chinese motorcycle catalyst company BASF Catalysts is to acquire Chinese company Guilin REEcat Catalyst, a producer of catalysts for controlling motorcycle emissions. BASF expects world motorcycle production to grow at a 5%/y to 2011, with China producing 40% of them. Also, China’s
FEBRUARY 2007
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C ATA LY S T S
adoption of new European emissions regulations will mean faster growth for motorcycle catalysts than for actual motorcycles. Chemical and Engineering News, 18 Dec 2006, (51), 27 & Chemical Week, 20 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 18 Dec 2006, (364), 9 (in French) & Chemie Technik (Heidelberg), 14 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.chemietechnik.de) (in German) & Nachrichten für Aussenhandel, 11 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.nfa-online.de) (in German) & Press release from: BASF Group, Germany. Website: http://corporate.basf.com (11 Dec 2006)
Biomethanol Chemie acquires methanol plant in The Netherlands BioMethanol Chemie Holding will retrofit a methanol plant it has acquired from Dynea, DSM and Akzo Nobel. The plant, which is located in Delfzijl, The Netherlands, will be retrofitted to yield 1 M litre/y of biomethanol from glycerine. Glycerine is a by-product of biodiesel production. Biomethanol Chemie is a consortium of OakInvest, NOM, Econcern, and two individuals. Chemistry and Industry (London), 20 Nov 2006, (22), 14
Clean Diesel Technologies reports 3Q 2006 results Clean Diesel Technologies Inc announces its results for 3Q and nine months ended Sep 2006. Revenue from additives were $161 for 3Q 2006 and $457 for nine months of 2006 ($97 in 3Q 2005 and $283 in nine months of 2005). Net loss was $1114 for 3Q 2006 and were $3887 for nine months of 2006 ($1489 in 3Q 2005 and net loss of $3966 in nine months of 2005). Clean Diesel Technologies Inc and its UK Branch office, Clean Diesel International LLC, is a developer of technological solutions to reduce harmful engine emissions. Products include Platinum Plus fuelborne catalysts (FBC), the Platinum Plus Purifier System, catalyzed wire mesh diesel particulate filter technologies, and the ARIS injection systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx. The consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) of the company for three and nine months ended Sep 2005 and 2006; and consolidated balance sheets data as on 31 Dec 2005 and 30 Sep 2006
(unaudited) are contained in two tables. Clean Diesel Technologies 3Q and nine months of 2006 results, 13 Nov 2006 (Clean Diesel Technologies Inc, 300 Atlantic Street, Suite 702, Stamford, CT 06901, USA. Tel: +1 203 327 7050. Fax: +1 203 323 0461. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.cdti.com)
Cellulose ethanol set at Genencor site Start-up company Mascoma, which is developing cellulose-to-ethanol technology, has received $14.8 M from New York State to erect a pilot plant at or near Genencor’s facility at Rochester, NY. Cost of the plant is expected to be $20 M and it will take 10-12 months to erect. Feedstocks will include paper sludge, wood chips, switch grass, and corn stover. Genencor will increase capacity at its Rochester enzymes plant to supply the plant. Chemical and Engineering News, 1 Jan 2007, 85 (1), 12-13 & Net Posten, 22 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.netposten.dk/) (in Danish)
Grace announces strategic evaluation of its washcoat business Grace Davison, an operating segment of WR Grace & Co, has announced that it is reviewing strategic alternatives for its washcoat product line. These products are used primarily in the manufacture of automotive emissions control catalysts. The washcoat product line constitutes less than 5% of Grace Davison’s annual sales. Grace says that the washcoat products enjoy a strong business position, with valuable technology, but they are not part of its core product portfolio. Grace has identified a target of 1Q 2007 to complete this review. Press release from: WR Grace, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD, 21044, USA. Tel: +1 404 870 6809. Website: http://www.grace.com (8 Nov 2006)
Inco and Süd-Chemie establish jv for developing diesel emission control materials and catalysts Inco Ltd and Süd-Chemie AG, have agreed to establish a jv company for the production and marketing of catalyzed diesel emission control materials for the automotive industry. Equity interests in the new company, which will be named Alantum, will be divided equally between Inco ECM
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MARKETS AND BUSINESS Enzymes to 2010 US enzymes demand will grow 6.9%/y through 2010, based on strong gains in key markets such as animal feed, biocatalysts, pharmaceuticals, and starch processing. Pharmaceuticals will remain the largest market and one of the fastest growing. The most rapid growth will occur in animal feed additives, led by phytase. This study analyzes the $1.6 bn US enzyme industry. It presents historical demand data and forecasts for 1995, 2000 and 2005 and forecasts to 2010 and 2015 by product (eg carbohydrases, proteases, polymerases, nucleases, lipases) and by market (eg pharmaceuticals, starch processing, food and beverage processing, research and biotechnology, cleaning products, diagnostics). The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share, and profiles 36 major players including Novozymes, Danisco, Allergan, Genzyme, Genentech, ArcherDaniels-Midland, and Roche. Price: $4300, sections from $30. The Freedonia Group Inc, 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326, USA. Tel: +1 440 684 9600. Fax: +1 440 646 0484. Website: http://www.freedoniagroup.com. E-mail: [email protected] (1 Aug 2006)
Green to go: overview of EPSRC transport research This article forms the first part of a report on EPSRC research into more environmental methods of transport. Hydrogen is believed to offer a good option for greener transport, but obtaining it from methane via steam methane reforming requires lots of energy and generates carbon dioxide. One EPSRC project is focused on developing a better way of extracting hydrogen from methane. Researchers from the universities of Bath, Leeds, and Imperial College London are collaborating in a three-year project to develop a process to simultaneously produce pure hydrogen and a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide ideal for sequestration at operating temperatures of 400-600°C.
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ON
C ATA LY S T S
Other EPSRC projects are involved in fuel cell and battery technology development.
to develop catalysts for oil sands, coal-to-liquids, and biomass-to-fuel technologies.
EPSRC Newsline, Autumn 2006, (37), 5-7 (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk)
Chemical and Engineering News, 1 Jan 2007, 85 (1), 12-13 & Chemical Week, 3 Jan 2007, 169 (1), 12
Methanol in China: MTO China is considering the domestic production of olefins based on the Fischer-Tropsch polymerization technology, either directly or through a methanol intermediate phase. The plan is part of an effort to cut the country’s dependence on imported oil and refined products. In Batour, Inner Mongolia, Shenhua is building a coalbased methanol-to-olefins plant, with a capacity to produce 1.8 M tonne/y of methanol and 600,000 tonne/y of downstream polypropylene and polyethylene. Meanwhile, Daqing Petrochemical is looking into the feasibility of developing a 1.65 M tonne/y gas-based methanol and 600,000 tonne/y downstream polypropylene and polyethylene complex in Heilongjiang province. Nitrogen + Syngas, Nov/Dec 2006, (284), 17
COMPANY NEWS
Avantium launches Flowrence Avantium Technologies announced that it has successfully launched Flowrence, a new parallel flow reactor platform for fixed bed catalyst testing. Avantium has supplied the first systems to major oil and petrochemical companies in Europe and the US. The new system allows researchers to test sixteen heterogeneous catalysts in parallel at small scale, under conditions scalable to industrial application. Avantium has developed several proprietary techniques that make the Flowrence a unique system. In addition to Avantium’s automated instrumentation and data handling software, the technology transfer of Flowrence comes with know-how and intellectual property rights, as well as installation, support, and training, tailored to customer needs. Press release from: Avantium Technologies, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014 BV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 586 8080. Fax: +31 20 586 8085. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.avantium.com (7 Dec 2006)
Accelergy funded
BASF integrates Engelhard: 800 jobs to go
Palo Alto, CA, USA-based Accelergy Corp has received $25 M in Series B funding from investors led by Goldman Sachs. The funding will facilitate the company’s research, boost its technology platform, and aid its intellectual property development. Accelergy’s technology is used to facilitate the development and commercialization of advanced catalytic materials. Other investors in the funding are Advent International, Sequoia Capital China, Lux Capital, Nth Power and Technology Partners.
The complete integration of catalyst producer Engelhard with BASF’s operations will result in 800 job cuts. BASF acquired Engelhard for $5.6 bn on 6 Jun 2006 and it expects synergies of $200 M/y by 2010. The catalyst unit and any key related research efforts will be headquartered in Iselin, NJ, USA. The new catalyst unit will be combined with the current chemical catalyst business. BASF North American division (BASF Corp) will still be based at Florham Park, NJ, USA.
Nanotech Report (Forbes/Wolfe), Dec 2006, 5 (12), 7 (Website: http://www.forbesnanotech.com)
TCE (formerly The Chemical Engineer), Dec 2006, (786/7), 8
Albemarle creates fuel technologies division
BASF to finance enzyme research in University of Manchester
Albemarle has set up a new alternative fuel technologies division
BASF is stepping up its operations in the area of enzyme research and has
FEBRUARY 2007
FOCUS now signed a cooperation agreement with the Center of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformation and Biomanufacturing (CoEBio3). The alliance with this research facility affiliated with the University of Manchester is for three years. BASF is funding the activities to the tune of €1 M. BASF uses enzymes for White Biotechnology. These enzymes, called biocatalysts, help to produce new products and improve existing processes. They are used, for instance, to manufacture intermediates for the pharmaceutical industry. However, BASF researchers believe that the range of potential applications is much greater for example, in the production of novel polymers for the cosmetics industry and for surface treatment of textiles. Press release from: BASF Group, Germany. Website: http://media.basf.com (Nov 2006)
BASF and Heidelberg University inaugurate new catalysis research laboratory A new catalysis research laboratory (CaRLa) has been opened by BASF and the Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg’s Technology Park. At the €1.5 M facility, an international research team of six university and six BASF scientists will be working to develop new homogeneous catalysts. The laboratory’s proximity to Heidelberg University and BASF offers ideal conditions for outstanding catalysis research and swift transfer of technology to industry. CaRLa covers the entire spectrum of research from basic research to industry-specific applications. Press release from: BASF Group, Germany. Website: http://media.basf.com (16 Nov 2006) & Chemistry and Industry (London), 4 Dec 2006, (23), 14 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 27 Nov 2006, (361), 9 (in French)
BASF to buy Chinese motorcycle catalyst company BASF Catalysts is to acquire Chinese company Guilin REEcat Catalyst, a producer of catalysts for controlling motorcycle emissions. BASF expects world motorcycle production to grow at a 5%/y to 2011, with China producing 40% of them. Also, China’s
FEBRUARY 2007
ON
C ATA LY S T S
adoption of new European emissions regulations will mean faster growth for motorcycle catalysts than for actual motorcycles. Chemical and Engineering News, 18 Dec 2006, (51), 27 & Chemical Week, 20 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 18 Dec 2006, (364), 9 (in French) & Chemie Technik (Heidelberg), 14 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.chemietechnik.de) (in German) & Nachrichten für Aussenhandel, 11 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.nfa-online.de) (in German) & Press release from: BASF Group, Germany. Website: http://corporate.basf.com (11 Dec 2006)
Biomethanol Chemie acquires methanol plant in The Netherlands BioMethanol Chemie Holding will retrofit a methanol plant it has acquired from Dynea, DSM and Akzo Nobel. The plant, which is located in Delfzijl, The Netherlands, will be retrofitted to yield 1 M litre/y of biomethanol from glycerine. Glycerine is a by-product of biodiesel production. Biomethanol Chemie is a consortium of OakInvest, NOM, Econcern, and two individuals. Chemistry and Industry (London), 20 Nov 2006, (22), 14
Clean Diesel Technologies reports 3Q 2006 results Clean Diesel Technologies Inc announces its results for 3Q and nine months ended Sep 2006. Revenue from additives were $161 for 3Q 2006 and $457 for nine months of 2006 ($97 in 3Q 2005 and $283 in nine months of 2005). Net loss was $1114 for 3Q 2006 and were $3887 for nine months of 2006 ($1489 in 3Q 2005 and net loss of $3966 in nine months of 2005). Clean Diesel Technologies Inc and its UK Branch office, Clean Diesel International LLC, is a developer of technological solutions to reduce harmful engine emissions. Products include Platinum Plus fuelborne catalysts (FBC), the Platinum Plus Purifier System, catalyzed wire mesh diesel particulate filter technologies, and the ARIS injection systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx. The consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) of the company for three and nine months ended Sep 2005 and 2006; and consolidated balance sheets data as on 31 Dec 2005 and 30 Sep 2006
(unaudited) are contained in two tables. Clean Diesel Technologies 3Q and nine months of 2006 results, 13 Nov 2006 (Clean Diesel Technologies Inc, 300 Atlantic Street, Suite 702, Stamford, CT 06901, USA. Tel: +1 203 327 7050. Fax: +1 203 323 0461. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.cdti.com)
Cellulose ethanol set at Genencor site Start-up company Mascoma, which is developing cellulose-to-ethanol technology, has received $14.8 M from New York State to erect a pilot plant at or near Genencor’s facility at Rochester, NY. Cost of the plant is expected to be $20 M and it will take 10-12 months to erect. Feedstocks will include paper sludge, wood chips, switch grass, and corn stover. Genencor will increase capacity at its Rochester enzymes plant to supply the plant. Chemical and Engineering News, 1 Jan 2007, 85 (1), 12-13 & Net Posten, 22 Dec 2006 (Website: http://www.netposten.dk/) (in Danish)
Grace announces strategic evaluation of its washcoat business Grace Davison, an operating segment of WR Grace & Co, has announced that it is reviewing strategic alternatives for its washcoat product line. These products are used primarily in the manufacture of automotive emissions control catalysts. The washcoat product line constitutes less than 5% of Grace Davison’s annual sales. Grace says that the washcoat products enjoy a strong business position, with valuable technology, but they are not part of its core product portfolio. Grace has identified a target of 1Q 2007 to complete this review. Press release from: WR Grace, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD, 21044, USA. Tel: +1 404 870 6809. Website: http://www.grace.com (8 Nov 2006)
Inco and Süd-Chemie establish jv for developing diesel emission control materials and catalysts Inco Ltd and Süd-Chemie AG, have agreed to establish a jv company for the production and marketing of catalyzed diesel emission control materials for the automotive industry. Equity interests in the new company, which will be named Alantum, will be divided equally between Inco ECM
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