- Email: [email protected]
Ineos Silicas and PQ Corp merge
FOCUS coatings market. EnviroGem 360 surfactant has the ability to boost lowenergy substrate wetting, lower foam, and reduce minimum film-forming temperature and coating defects – all without contributing to VOC (volatile organic compound) content. EnviroGem 360 surfactant is also environmentally friendly as, in addition to its very low VOC content, the product also does not contain alkylphenol ethoxylates, which are persistent in the environment and suspected of being endocrine disruptors. The surfactant is also inherently biodegradable, the company says. According to Air Products, EnviroGem 360 can help coatings formulators increase performance and address many of the challenges that are inherent in low VOC formulating. In addition to coatings applications, the surfactant can also be used in the printing industry as an additive for fountain solutions. Air Products serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a portfolio of atmospheric, process and speciality gases, performance materials, equipment and services. Press release from: Air Products, 7201 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18195-1501, USA. Tel: +1 610 481 4911. Fax: +1 610 481 5900. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.airproducts.com (3 Oct 2007)
Efficient ester condensation uses minimal DMAP An advanced esterification condensation technology that paves the way to the manufacture of increased amounts of ester with a small-size reactor has been developed by a research team headed by Prof Kazuaki Ishihara of Nagoya University. The process is easier, facilitates recovery and recycling of catalyst, and has a lower environmental burden. It has potential applications in the large-scale production of fatty acids, surfactants and additives. An esterification condensation reaction was generated successfully using a blend of alcohol, carbonic acid anhydride, and a significantly small amount of 4pyridine, or DMAP, catalyst without any solvent. The process eliminates the use of additional bases. Japan Chemical Week, 11 Oct 2007, 48 (2436), 3
DECEMBER 2007
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ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS Builders Chemical profile: sodium tripolyphosphate in the US The demand for sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in the US stood at 280,000 tons (254,000 tonnes) in 2006 compared with 277,000 tons in 2005. Demand is forecast to reach 285,000 tons in 2010. Imports stood at 142,000 tons in 2006 and in 2005, while exports amounted to 10,000 tons in 2005 versus 6000 tons in 2006. US production of STPP (equals demand plus exports less imports) was therefore more or less level at 145,000 tons in 2005 and 144,000 in 2006. The market grew by 1%/y from 2001-2006 and is projected to grow by 0.5%/y through 2010. STPP’s main application (48%) is as a detergent builder in industrial & institutional cleaning and dishwashing applications. It is also used in various food and beverage applications, in process and boiler water treatment, and in certain miscellaneous applications such as metal and plastic finishing and dentrifices. US STPP production capacity currently stands at 365,000 tons/year, split between ICL Performance Products (245,000 tons/year from three plants), and Innophos and Prayon, each with 60,000 tons/year capacity. ICIS Chemical Business, 8 Oct 2007, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
excess of nutrients fosters the growth of an algal bloom. The phosphorus adsorbent developed by Asahi Kasei Chemicals is highly selective for the phosphate ion, and comprises small beads of ceramic-based ionexchange resin featuring a novel structure of surface micropores with an internal network of submicron pores, resulting in a high effective surface area. This structure gives the adsorbent a very high adsorption capacity and enables phosphate concentration to be reduced to 0.01 ppm or less at a flow rate some 10 times higher than with previously available adsorbents. The new adsorbent also readily desorbs phosphate ions in an alkaline solution, enabling repeated use. Operation of a pilot facility is underway jointly with the Japan Sewage Works Agency to verify the performance of this adsorbent and system in the removal of phosphorus from secondary effluent from municipal wastewater treatment. The trial is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2008 ending 31 Mar 2009. Market development of the adsorbent and system will target Japan, the USA, China, and other regions of Asia that face water pollution problems and shortages of clean water. The adsorbent and system will be developed as an independently viable business and will also be incorporated with Microza filtration systems for provision of comprehensive water treatment solutions. Press release from: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp, Product Development Laboratory, Japan. Tel: +81 545 62 2601. Fax: +81 545 62 2609. Website: http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp (19 Sep 2007)
Development of world’s fastest phosphorus adsorbent
Ineos Silicas and PQ Corp merge
Asahi Kasei Chemicals claims to have developed the world’s fastest phosphorus adsorbent, together with an efficient water treatment system using this adsorbent, for the selective, high-level removal and high-purity recovery of phosphorus from treated water. Commercial development of the adsorbent and system will be performed as part of the water processing business of the company. Occurring in effluent water, phosphorus (as phosphate) has been identified as a cause of eutrophication in lakes and harbours, where an
Acquired by Carlyle in Jun 2007, PQ Corp is to merge with Ineos Silicas, thereby creating a new giant in the silica compounds sector. The new entity (which will retain the PQ Corp name) will be a 60:40 joint venture between Carlyle and Ineos. In 2005 the UK group put the business up for sale but finally abandoned the plan when no suitable offers were forthcoming. The new company will have a turnover of $1 bn and 2800 employees. Market leaders in their respective regions, the two companies have capacities of: 3
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720,000 tonnes/y silicates; 180,000 tonnes/y zeolites; and 45,000 tonnes/y silicas. Ineos Silicas has seven factories in the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia. PQ has 60 production units in 19 countries. Other leading companies in the sector include Rhodia and Ceca.
formulate products that allow consumers to use less water and energy. Renewable content products such as Propylene Glycol Renewable (PGR) and cellulose-based watersoluble polymers have been strongly received, as has the recent release of its HEIDA (hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid) biodegradable chelant.
Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 22 Oct 2007, (398), 9 (Website: http://www.france-chimie.com) (in French)
Press release from: Dow Europe GmbH, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland. Website: http://www.ScienceofCare.com (18 Sep 2007)
Other Chemical profile: isopropanol US profile for propylene glycol US demand for propylene glycol (PG) is expected to reach 960 M lbs in 2010 from 885 M lbs in 2006 and 895 M lbs in 2005. Exports rose to 310 M lbs in 2006 from 272 M lbs in 2005. Growth in propylene glycol was recorded at 0.9%/y from 2001-2006, with expected increases of 2%/y through 2010. Applications for the chemical are broken down into unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) (26.4%); functional fluids (22.2%); food, drugs and cosmetics (20.4%); liquid detergents (15.4%); paints and coatings (4.4%); tobacco humectant (2.3%); miscellaneous, including plasticizers (8.9%). A 1.5% growth rate is anticipated for UPR as against 2.5% for the personal care segment. The rising oil and natural gas costs are putting pressure on PG. Total US propylene glycol capacity is 1590 M lb/y. ICIS Chemical Business, 24 Sep 2007, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
Moving beyond clean – with more sustainable solutions for fabric and surface care The Dow Chemical Co recently launched Dow Fabric & Surface Care as a business unit focused on developing convenient, customized solutions for maintaining fresher, cleaner and healthier homes and businesses. Consumers want products that allow them to leave a lighter footprint. They want both performance and to lower resource consumption. Dow is addressing this need by offering raw materials that use fewer resources in their manufacture, including many made from renewable resources, as well as working with brand owners to 4
US demand for isopropanol (IPA) increased from 1.285 bn lbs (583,000 tonnes) in 2005 to 1.305 bn lbs in 2006. By 2010, demand is forecast to reach 1.39 lbs. Growth was pegged at 1.7%/y from 1998 to 2003, with 1.6%/y forecast through 2010. The use of IPA is rising at an estimated 2.8%/y in the manufacture of isopropylamines; household, cosmetic and personal-care products; and pharmaceuticals. The three segments together account for 34% of US demand for IPA. Since 2003, IPA exports have been averaging 730 M lbs. The chemical is regarded as mature. In 2006, ExxonMobil raised IPA capacity at its Texas City, TX, USA facility by 40 M lbs to reach overall capacity of 946 M lbs/y. In Canada, IPA output is roughly 185 M lbs/y. Shell Chemicals Canada, with its 200 M lb/y facility at Sarnia, ON, Canada, serves as the sole Canadian IPA producer. In Mexico, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) produces some 35 M lbs/y of IPA. ICIS Chemical Business, 22 Oct 2007, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
Dreco: 40 years of adding new enzymes German detergents firm Dreco is using Novozymes’ new Mannaway mannanase enzyme [Focus on Surfactants, Mar 2007] in its products. Specifically developed for detergents, Mannaway tackles galactomannanbased stains that were difficult for consumers to remove effectively before. Many foods use mannan gums as thickeners. BioTimes (Novozymes’ Enzyme e-zine), Sep 2007, (3), 6-7 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com/biotimes)
APPLICATIONS Household & personal care Lion to top Thai powder laundry detergent market Lion Corp (Thailand) Ltd, a Lion Corp subsidiary, is expanding capacity for powder laundry detergents to 100,000 tonnes/y as it aims to dominate the country’s market through 2012. Work on the expansion of the Sriracha facility’s drying tower is expected to be complete at the end of 2007. The company offers specialized products and massconsumption products for Thailand’s powder laundry detergent users. It will concentrate on marketing massconsumption products that account for the majority of the demand. Thailand’s detergent market has been growing at a pace of 3%/y for some years. Japan Chemical Week, 27 Sep 2007, 48 (2434), 2-3
Can dinosaurs dance? Responding to the Asian challenge Rising demand for sophisticated products in China and India has resulted in increased innovation by firms operating in Asia. New business models adopted by firms in a range of sectors are noted. An example in the chemical sector is that adopted by Procter & Gamble for detergents in China. The company is using a lowcost production technique to supply high-value performance chemicals as a concentrate to Chinese partners. The latter add basic ingredients prior to packaging and distribution. Economist, 13 Oct 2007, 385 (A Special Report on Innovation), 8
PotatoFinger launches Lullwater Soap Nuts Working closely with farmers in the foothills of the Himalayas, PotatoFinger is introducing Lullwater Soap Nuts to the US. As shells of the fruit from India’s soap nut tree, Lullwater Soap Nuts are a 100% organic alternative to traditional detergents and soaps. Containing saponin, a natural detergent, Soap DECEMBER 2007
Efficient ester condensation uses minimal DMAP An advanced esterification condensation technology that paves the way to the manufacture of increased amounts of ester with a small-size reactor has been developed by a research team headed by Prof Kazuaki Ishihara of Nagoya University. The process is easier, facilitates recovery and recycling of catalyst, and has a lower environmental burden. It has potential applications in the large-scale production of fatty acids, surfactants and additives. An esterification condensation reaction was generated successfully using a blend of alcohol, carbonic acid anhydride, and a significantly small amount of 4pyridine, or DMAP, catalyst without any solvent. The process eliminates the use of additional bases. Japan Chemical Week, 11 Oct 2007, 48 (2436), 3
DECEMBER 2007
ON
S U R FAC TA N T S
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS Builders Chemical profile: sodium tripolyphosphate in the US The demand for sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in the US stood at 280,000 tons (254,000 tonnes) in 2006 compared with 277,000 tons in 2005. Demand is forecast to reach 285,000 tons in 2010. Imports stood at 142,000 tons in 2006 and in 2005, while exports amounted to 10,000 tons in 2005 versus 6000 tons in 2006. US production of STPP (equals demand plus exports less imports) was therefore more or less level at 145,000 tons in 2005 and 144,000 in 2006. The market grew by 1%/y from 2001-2006 and is projected to grow by 0.5%/y through 2010. STPP’s main application (48%) is as a detergent builder in industrial & institutional cleaning and dishwashing applications. It is also used in various food and beverage applications, in process and boiler water treatment, and in certain miscellaneous applications such as metal and plastic finishing and dentrifices. US STPP production capacity currently stands at 365,000 tons/year, split between ICL Performance Products (245,000 tons/year from three plants), and Innophos and Prayon, each with 60,000 tons/year capacity. ICIS Chemical Business, 8 Oct 2007, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
excess of nutrients fosters the growth of an algal bloom. The phosphorus adsorbent developed by Asahi Kasei Chemicals is highly selective for the phosphate ion, and comprises small beads of ceramic-based ionexchange resin featuring a novel structure of surface micropores with an internal network of submicron pores, resulting in a high effective surface area. This structure gives the adsorbent a very high adsorption capacity and enables phosphate concentration to be reduced to 0.01 ppm or less at a flow rate some 10 times higher than with previously available adsorbents. The new adsorbent also readily desorbs phosphate ions in an alkaline solution, enabling repeated use. Operation of a pilot facility is underway jointly with the Japan Sewage Works Agency to verify the performance of this adsorbent and system in the removal of phosphorus from secondary effluent from municipal wastewater treatment. The trial is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2008 ending 31 Mar 2009. Market development of the adsorbent and system will target Japan, the USA, China, and other regions of Asia that face water pollution problems and shortages of clean water. The adsorbent and system will be developed as an independently viable business and will also be incorporated with Microza filtration systems for provision of comprehensive water treatment solutions. Press release from: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp, Product Development Laboratory, Japan. Tel: +81 545 62 2601. Fax: +81 545 62 2609. Website: http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp (19 Sep 2007)
Development of world’s fastest phosphorus adsorbent
Ineos Silicas and PQ Corp merge
Asahi Kasei Chemicals claims to have developed the world’s fastest phosphorus adsorbent, together with an efficient water treatment system using this adsorbent, for the selective, high-level removal and high-purity recovery of phosphorus from treated water. Commercial development of the adsorbent and system will be performed as part of the water processing business of the company. Occurring in effluent water, phosphorus (as phosphate) has been identified as a cause of eutrophication in lakes and harbours, where an
Acquired by Carlyle in Jun 2007, PQ Corp is to merge with Ineos Silicas, thereby creating a new giant in the silica compounds sector. The new entity (which will retain the PQ Corp name) will be a 60:40 joint venture between Carlyle and Ineos. In 2005 the UK group put the business up for sale but finally abandoned the plan when no suitable offers were forthcoming. The new company will have a turnover of $1 bn and 2800 employees. Market leaders in their respective regions, the two companies have capacities of: 3
FOCUS
ON
S U R FAC TA N T S
720,000 tonnes/y silicates; 180,000 tonnes/y zeolites; and 45,000 tonnes/y silicas. Ineos Silicas has seven factories in the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia. PQ has 60 production units in 19 countries. Other leading companies in the sector include Rhodia and Ceca.
formulate products that allow consumers to use less water and energy. Renewable content products such as Propylene Glycol Renewable (PGR) and cellulose-based watersoluble polymers have been strongly received, as has the recent release of its HEIDA (hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid) biodegradable chelant.
Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 22 Oct 2007, (398), 9 (Website: http://www.france-chimie.com) (in French)
Press release from: Dow Europe GmbH, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland. Website: http://www.ScienceofCare.com (18 Sep 2007)
Other Chemical profile: isopropanol US profile for propylene glycol US demand for propylene glycol (PG) is expected to reach 960 M lbs in 2010 from 885 M lbs in 2006 and 895 M lbs in 2005. Exports rose to 310 M lbs in 2006 from 272 M lbs in 2005. Growth in propylene glycol was recorded at 0.9%/y from 2001-2006, with expected increases of 2%/y through 2010. Applications for the chemical are broken down into unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) (26.4%); functional fluids (22.2%); food, drugs and cosmetics (20.4%); liquid detergents (15.4%); paints and coatings (4.4%); tobacco humectant (2.3%); miscellaneous, including plasticizers (8.9%). A 1.5% growth rate is anticipated for UPR as against 2.5% for the personal care segment. The rising oil and natural gas costs are putting pressure on PG. Total US propylene glycol capacity is 1590 M lb/y. ICIS Chemical Business, 24 Sep 2007, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
Moving beyond clean – with more sustainable solutions for fabric and surface care The Dow Chemical Co recently launched Dow Fabric & Surface Care as a business unit focused on developing convenient, customized solutions for maintaining fresher, cleaner and healthier homes and businesses. Consumers want products that allow them to leave a lighter footprint. They want both performance and to lower resource consumption. Dow is addressing this need by offering raw materials that use fewer resources in their manufacture, including many made from renewable resources, as well as working with brand owners to 4
US demand for isopropanol (IPA) increased from 1.285 bn lbs (583,000 tonnes) in 2005 to 1.305 bn lbs in 2006. By 2010, demand is forecast to reach 1.39 lbs. Growth was pegged at 1.7%/y from 1998 to 2003, with 1.6%/y forecast through 2010. The use of IPA is rising at an estimated 2.8%/y in the manufacture of isopropylamines; household, cosmetic and personal-care products; and pharmaceuticals. The three segments together account for 34% of US demand for IPA. Since 2003, IPA exports have been averaging 730 M lbs. The chemical is regarded as mature. In 2006, ExxonMobil raised IPA capacity at its Texas City, TX, USA facility by 40 M lbs to reach overall capacity of 946 M lbs/y. In Canada, IPA output is roughly 185 M lbs/y. Shell Chemicals Canada, with its 200 M lb/y facility at Sarnia, ON, Canada, serves as the sole Canadian IPA producer. In Mexico, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) produces some 35 M lbs/y of IPA. ICIS Chemical Business, 22 Oct 2007, (Website: http://icischemicalbusiness.com)
Dreco: 40 years of adding new enzymes German detergents firm Dreco is using Novozymes’ new Mannaway mannanase enzyme [Focus on Surfactants, Mar 2007] in its products. Specifically developed for detergents, Mannaway tackles galactomannanbased stains that were difficult for consumers to remove effectively before. Many foods use mannan gums as thickeners. BioTimes (Novozymes’ Enzyme e-zine), Sep 2007, (3), 6-7 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com/biotimes)
APPLICATIONS Household & personal care Lion to top Thai powder laundry detergent market Lion Corp (Thailand) Ltd, a Lion Corp subsidiary, is expanding capacity for powder laundry detergents to 100,000 tonnes/y as it aims to dominate the country’s market through 2012. Work on the expansion of the Sriracha facility’s drying tower is expected to be complete at the end of 2007. The company offers specialized products and massconsumption products for Thailand’s powder laundry detergent users. It will concentrate on marketing massconsumption products that account for the majority of the demand. Thailand’s detergent market has been growing at a pace of 3%/y for some years. Japan Chemical Week, 27 Sep 2007, 48 (2434), 2-3
Can dinosaurs dance? Responding to the Asian challenge Rising demand for sophisticated products in China and India has resulted in increased innovation by firms operating in Asia. New business models adopted by firms in a range of sectors are noted. An example in the chemical sector is that adopted by Procter & Gamble for detergents in China. The company is using a lowcost production technique to supply high-value performance chemicals as a concentrate to Chinese partners. The latter add basic ingredients prior to packaging and distribution. Economist, 13 Oct 2007, 385 (A Special Report on Innovation), 8
PotatoFinger launches Lullwater Soap Nuts Working closely with farmers in the foothills of the Himalayas, PotatoFinger is introducing Lullwater Soap Nuts to the US. As shells of the fruit from India’s soap nut tree, Lullwater Soap Nuts are a 100% organic alternative to traditional detergents and soaps. Containing saponin, a natural detergent, Soap DECEMBER 2007