- Email: [email protected]
Margo soap relaunched to target youngsters
F O C US washing powders. The new plant will enable the company to produce between 7500 tonnes/y and 15,000 tonnes/y of finely granulated 600 to 800 micron powders. Rohm and Haas with turnover of $6 bn has staff of 17,800 of whom 1200 are employed in France. Chimie Hebdo, 26 May 2003, (214), 11-12 (in French)
Other Clariant abandons troubled US bleaching activator project Swiss Clariant Group has decided to pull the plug on a new production facility for bleaching activators at its Mount Holly site, in NC, USA. The company will write-off $92 M (SFR 120 M) in 2Q 2003 as a result. The company has already invested SFR 120 M in the project, part of the Functional Chemicals program. The company had previously reported delays in the planned start-up of the plant due to technical difficulties (see Focus, July 2003, p 6). Subsequent intensive testing of the plant demonstrated that the required specifications could not be achieved in time. Furthermore, Clariant said it became apparent that the chemical could not be supplied in the required quality within a reasonable time and cost framework and therefore decided to terminate the project with immediate effect. Clariant planned to manufacture and supply a bleaching activator to washing detergents manufacturer Procter & Gamble for use in a new range of Tide detergent products. P&G received SFR 40 M in compensation for Clariant’s failure to meet its obligations and is now looking for another supplier. As a direct result of the termination Clariant will cut 30 new jobs at the facility. The site in Mount Holly has 200 employees and specializes in the manufacture of speciality chemicals such as additives for soaps, cosmetics, food, etc. Clariant plans to convert the factory for the production of other chemicals. The abandoned project is likely to result in a 27% decrease in Clariant’s profits for 2003. Press release from: Clariant International, Rothausstrasse 61, CH-4132 Muttenz, Switzerland; Tel: +41 61 469 6969. Fax: +41 61 469 6999 (16 Jun 2003) & Chemische Rundschau, 1 Jul 2003, 56 (13), 9 (in German) & Chimie Hebdo, 23 Jun 2003, (218), 10 (in French)
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US antidumping duty investigations into whitening agents from Germany, India and the PRC On 14 May 2003, the US Department of Commerce received petitions filed in proper form by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp. The Department received supplemental information to the petitions from Ciba on 27 and 30 May 2003. In accordance with section 732(b)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, the petitioner alleges that imports of 4,4’-diamino-2,2’stilbenedisulfonic acid (DAS) and stilbenic fluorescent whitening agents (SFWA) from Germany, India and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are, or are likely to be, sold in the US at less than fair value within the meaning of section 731 of the Act, and that imports from Germany, India, and the PRC are materially injuring, or are threatening to materially injure an industry in the US. The anticipated period of investigation (POI) for Germany and India is 1 Apr 2002, through 31 Mar 2003; and 1 Oct 2002, through 31 Mar 2003 for the PRC. Ciba has also lodged a petition under section 702(b)(1) of the Act, alleging that manufacturers, producers or exporters of DAS and SFWA in India receive countervailable subsidies within the meaning of section 701 of the Act. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.204 (b)(2), the anticipated period of investigation is 1 Jan 2002, through 31 Dec 2002. Both sets of investigations cover all DAS and SFWA regardless of end use. DAS is a chemical compound used to produce SFWA. SFWA are synthetic organic products normally used as fluorescent brightening agents in the production of certain textiles, paper and detergents. Federal Register, 10 Jun 2003, 68 (111), 3457934582 & 34582-34584 (Website: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html)
Cosmenyl gran – new name for proven cosmetics pigment preparations Now the proven granulated pigment preparations of Clariant’s Viscofil gran range are offered under the brand name Cosmenyl granules. The Cosmetics & Detergents Market Segment of Clariant’s Pigment & Additives division took this step to emphasize the main application fields for the Cosmenyl gran brands, which are used especially for the coloration
of soaps and detergents. The products meet the requirements of the EU Directive 76/768/EEC for products in cosmetic applications. The Cosmenyl products are available in yellow, red, blue and green. The Cosmetics & Detergents Market Segment of Clariant offers a broad product portfolio of colorants and additives to enhance the looks and performance of cosmetics and detergent formulations. Press release from: Clariant, Am Unisys-Park 1, D65843 Sulzbach, Germany. Tel: +49 6196 757 8130. Fax: +49 6196 757 8862. Website: http://pa.clariant.com (23 Jun 2003)
D-limonene impacted by events in Brazil and Asia The world limonene market is expected to be 50,000-60,000 tons in 2003 compared with 25,000-30,000 tons in 2000. Production is mainly split between the US and Brazil. The spread of orange tree disease in Brazil might affect the D-limonene market as yet. D-limonene is being used as a substitute for a number of solvents in cleaning products. The market has been boosted by the increased use of cleaning products in Asia to combat the SARS virus. Chemical Market Reporter, 23 Jun 2003 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
APPLICATIONS Compulsory liquidation for Coventry The Coventry washing powder and detergents plant at Haubourdin, near to Lille, France, which was put into receivership for 6 months on 5 Mar 2003, was given compulsory liquidation on 3 May 2003 by a court in Lille, France. There are 189 employees, of whom 60 appeared in court after a demonstration in Lille against the reform programme of the French government. It is expected that the redundancy notice will be received by the employees within 15 days. The Coventry plant formerly belonged to Lever. Chimie Hebdo, 10 Jun 2003, (216), 8 (in French)
Margo soap relaunched to target youngsters Henkel Spic India Ltd has reintroduced AUGUST 2003
F O C US its 80-year old Margo soap with a new formulation that gives a milder herbal fragrance and more lather. The packing also has been changed to attract youngsters in the age group of 20-25 years, which forms the target group for the new formula. The company has positioned the soap as regular-use soap, breaking the mindset of it being a medicinal soap. Margo has a 1.9% share in the premium toilet soap category, while the premium soap category holds a 7.5% market share in the overall soaps category. Business Line, 17 Jun 2003, 10 (167), 6
Healthpoint introduces Triseptin WaterOptional for healthcare personnel Healthpoint Ltd has introduced the first water-optional healthcare personnel handwash designed for use with or without water. The company says that Triseptin WaterOptional has shown outstanding performance compared to other waterless and water-aided healthcare personnel handwash products, using the FDA’s Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products in vivo testing criteria for healthcare personnel handwash. It is claimed to be at least 70 times more effective than a traditional 61% ethyl alcohol formulation at the wash 10 test point. Triseptin Water-Optional contains a 61% ethyl alcohol active ingredient with a preservative for persistence in an emollient-rich formulation. The formulation allows healthcare personnel the convenience of being able to utilize the product with water to remove dirt, debris and proteinaceous material, or waterless to quickly disinfect hands between patient contact. Triseptin Water-Optional is based on Healthpoint’s patented Trizenol antisepsis technology, which combines an alcohol active, preservative and surfactant. It is the latest development in the series of innovative products that includes Triseptin Water-Aided and Triseptin Waterless (see Focus on Surfacatants, May 2003, p 5). Press release from: Healthpoint Ltd, 3909, Hulen Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA. Tel: +1 800 441 8227. Fax: +1 817 900 4105. Website: http://www.healthpoint.com (9 Jun 2003)
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Fuel additives from Bains Overseas Bains Overseas Pvt Ltd has launched a new fuel additive that finds applications in all types of fuel in boilers, captive power plants and DG sets, furnaces, automobiles, earth movers and marine fuel applications. The product is a highly effective blend of self-emulsifying solvents, surfactants, detergents and catalysts. It is specially formulated to overcome numerous problems in handling and burning heavy residual marine fuels. Some of its important characteristics include: helping to maximize bunker yields, reducing corrosion in tanks and fuel lines, preventing filter blockage and improving spray pattern. Chemical Weekly, 24 Jun 2003, 48 (44), 174
A safer way to control hydrate formation Ondeo Nalco is introducing Freeflow AA, a liquid-chemical alternative to methanol for the prevention of hydrate crystal agglomeration and plugging in oil and gas manufacturing systems. The non-polymer surfactant is as effective as methanol in its range of applications. Freeflow AA is also safer to handle and apply, does not contaminate oil and is costeffective in controlling hydrate by up to 30% or more based on chemical spending. Chemical Engineering Progress, Jun 2003, 99 (6), 32
PATENTS Kao patents non-liquid surfactant composition Kao Corp of Tokyo, Japan, was granted US Patent No 6,534,474 B1 for a surfactant for use in non-liquid detergents. The product contains a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant with a sulfonate group and an immobilization agent.
Patent No 6,534,462 B1 for a gel treatment formulation to treat fabric stains. The product contains a surfactant-containing liquid that has a non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, non-ionic solubilizing agent and an enzyme, in addition to water. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
Powder detergent patented by Huish Huish Detergents Inc of Salt Lake City, UT, USA, was granted US Patent No 6,534,464 B1 for a granular or powdered detergent that features reduced di-salt formation. The new product contains polyalkoxylated alkanolamide particles and alphasulfofatty acid ester particles. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
Tablet detergent patented by Unilever Unilever Patent Holdings BV of Vlaardingen, The Netherlands, obtained US Patent No 6,534,473 B1 for a process to produce detergent tablets and mix non-soap organic surfactant particles with a non-soap, non-surfactant, water-soluble material. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
Henkel awarded patent for coloured detergent Henkel of Düsseldorf, Germany, obtained US Patent No 6,534,471 B1 for coloured detergent particles. The particles are created by forming a slurry with a minimum of one inorganic powdering agent, at least one dye and an optional bleach activator. The slurry is spray-dried to form coloured particles of powdering agent, which are then applied to detergent particles. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 25
Fabric stain-treating gel detergent patented Access Business Group International LLC of Ada, MI, USA, was issued US
Hard surface gloss retention compositions patented Cognis Corp of Gulph Mills, PA, USA, secured US Patent No 6,532,973 B1 for a hard surface cleaner consisting 5
Other Clariant abandons troubled US bleaching activator project Swiss Clariant Group has decided to pull the plug on a new production facility for bleaching activators at its Mount Holly site, in NC, USA. The company will write-off $92 M (SFR 120 M) in 2Q 2003 as a result. The company has already invested SFR 120 M in the project, part of the Functional Chemicals program. The company had previously reported delays in the planned start-up of the plant due to technical difficulties (see Focus, July 2003, p 6). Subsequent intensive testing of the plant demonstrated that the required specifications could not be achieved in time. Furthermore, Clariant said it became apparent that the chemical could not be supplied in the required quality within a reasonable time and cost framework and therefore decided to terminate the project with immediate effect. Clariant planned to manufacture and supply a bleaching activator to washing detergents manufacturer Procter & Gamble for use in a new range of Tide detergent products. P&G received SFR 40 M in compensation for Clariant’s failure to meet its obligations and is now looking for another supplier. As a direct result of the termination Clariant will cut 30 new jobs at the facility. The site in Mount Holly has 200 employees and specializes in the manufacture of speciality chemicals such as additives for soaps, cosmetics, food, etc. Clariant plans to convert the factory for the production of other chemicals. The abandoned project is likely to result in a 27% decrease in Clariant’s profits for 2003. Press release from: Clariant International, Rothausstrasse 61, CH-4132 Muttenz, Switzerland; Tel: +41 61 469 6969. Fax: +41 61 469 6999 (16 Jun 2003) & Chemische Rundschau, 1 Jul 2003, 56 (13), 9 (in German) & Chimie Hebdo, 23 Jun 2003, (218), 10 (in French)
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US antidumping duty investigations into whitening agents from Germany, India and the PRC On 14 May 2003, the US Department of Commerce received petitions filed in proper form by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp. The Department received supplemental information to the petitions from Ciba on 27 and 30 May 2003. In accordance with section 732(b)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, the petitioner alleges that imports of 4,4’-diamino-2,2’stilbenedisulfonic acid (DAS) and stilbenic fluorescent whitening agents (SFWA) from Germany, India and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are, or are likely to be, sold in the US at less than fair value within the meaning of section 731 of the Act, and that imports from Germany, India, and the PRC are materially injuring, or are threatening to materially injure an industry in the US. The anticipated period of investigation (POI) for Germany and India is 1 Apr 2002, through 31 Mar 2003; and 1 Oct 2002, through 31 Mar 2003 for the PRC. Ciba has also lodged a petition under section 702(b)(1) of the Act, alleging that manufacturers, producers or exporters of DAS and SFWA in India receive countervailable subsidies within the meaning of section 701 of the Act. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.204 (b)(2), the anticipated period of investigation is 1 Jan 2002, through 31 Dec 2002. Both sets of investigations cover all DAS and SFWA regardless of end use. DAS is a chemical compound used to produce SFWA. SFWA are synthetic organic products normally used as fluorescent brightening agents in the production of certain textiles, paper and detergents. Federal Register, 10 Jun 2003, 68 (111), 3457934582 & 34582-34584 (Website: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html)
Cosmenyl gran – new name for proven cosmetics pigment preparations Now the proven granulated pigment preparations of Clariant’s Viscofil gran range are offered under the brand name Cosmenyl granules. The Cosmetics & Detergents Market Segment of Clariant’s Pigment & Additives division took this step to emphasize the main application fields for the Cosmenyl gran brands, which are used especially for the coloration
of soaps and detergents. The products meet the requirements of the EU Directive 76/768/EEC for products in cosmetic applications. The Cosmenyl products are available in yellow, red, blue and green. The Cosmetics & Detergents Market Segment of Clariant offers a broad product portfolio of colorants and additives to enhance the looks and performance of cosmetics and detergent formulations. Press release from: Clariant, Am Unisys-Park 1, D65843 Sulzbach, Germany. Tel: +49 6196 757 8130. Fax: +49 6196 757 8862. Website: http://pa.clariant.com (23 Jun 2003)
D-limonene impacted by events in Brazil and Asia The world limonene market is expected to be 50,000-60,000 tons in 2003 compared with 25,000-30,000 tons in 2000. Production is mainly split between the US and Brazil. The spread of orange tree disease in Brazil might affect the D-limonene market as yet. D-limonene is being used as a substitute for a number of solvents in cleaning products. The market has been boosted by the increased use of cleaning products in Asia to combat the SARS virus. Chemical Market Reporter, 23 Jun 2003 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
APPLICATIONS Compulsory liquidation for Coventry The Coventry washing powder and detergents plant at Haubourdin, near to Lille, France, which was put into receivership for 6 months on 5 Mar 2003, was given compulsory liquidation on 3 May 2003 by a court in Lille, France. There are 189 employees, of whom 60 appeared in court after a demonstration in Lille against the reform programme of the French government. It is expected that the redundancy notice will be received by the employees within 15 days. The Coventry plant formerly belonged to Lever. Chimie Hebdo, 10 Jun 2003, (216), 8 (in French)
Margo soap relaunched to target youngsters Henkel Spic India Ltd has reintroduced AUGUST 2003
F O C US its 80-year old Margo soap with a new formulation that gives a milder herbal fragrance and more lather. The packing also has been changed to attract youngsters in the age group of 20-25 years, which forms the target group for the new formula. The company has positioned the soap as regular-use soap, breaking the mindset of it being a medicinal soap. Margo has a 1.9% share in the premium toilet soap category, while the premium soap category holds a 7.5% market share in the overall soaps category. Business Line, 17 Jun 2003, 10 (167), 6
Healthpoint introduces Triseptin WaterOptional for healthcare personnel Healthpoint Ltd has introduced the first water-optional healthcare personnel handwash designed for use with or without water. The company says that Triseptin WaterOptional has shown outstanding performance compared to other waterless and water-aided healthcare personnel handwash products, using the FDA’s Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products in vivo testing criteria for healthcare personnel handwash. It is claimed to be at least 70 times more effective than a traditional 61% ethyl alcohol formulation at the wash 10 test point. Triseptin Water-Optional contains a 61% ethyl alcohol active ingredient with a preservative for persistence in an emollient-rich formulation. The formulation allows healthcare personnel the convenience of being able to utilize the product with water to remove dirt, debris and proteinaceous material, or waterless to quickly disinfect hands between patient contact. Triseptin Water-Optional is based on Healthpoint’s patented Trizenol antisepsis technology, which combines an alcohol active, preservative and surfactant. It is the latest development in the series of innovative products that includes Triseptin Water-Aided and Triseptin Waterless (see Focus on Surfacatants, May 2003, p 5). Press release from: Healthpoint Ltd, 3909, Hulen Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA. Tel: +1 800 441 8227. Fax: +1 817 900 4105. Website: http://www.healthpoint.com (9 Jun 2003)
AUGUST 2003
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S U R FAC TA N T S
Fuel additives from Bains Overseas Bains Overseas Pvt Ltd has launched a new fuel additive that finds applications in all types of fuel in boilers, captive power plants and DG sets, furnaces, automobiles, earth movers and marine fuel applications. The product is a highly effective blend of self-emulsifying solvents, surfactants, detergents and catalysts. It is specially formulated to overcome numerous problems in handling and burning heavy residual marine fuels. Some of its important characteristics include: helping to maximize bunker yields, reducing corrosion in tanks and fuel lines, preventing filter blockage and improving spray pattern. Chemical Weekly, 24 Jun 2003, 48 (44), 174
A safer way to control hydrate formation Ondeo Nalco is introducing Freeflow AA, a liquid-chemical alternative to methanol for the prevention of hydrate crystal agglomeration and plugging in oil and gas manufacturing systems. The non-polymer surfactant is as effective as methanol in its range of applications. Freeflow AA is also safer to handle and apply, does not contaminate oil and is costeffective in controlling hydrate by up to 30% or more based on chemical spending. Chemical Engineering Progress, Jun 2003, 99 (6), 32
PATENTS Kao patents non-liquid surfactant composition Kao Corp of Tokyo, Japan, was granted US Patent No 6,534,474 B1 for a surfactant for use in non-liquid detergents. The product contains a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant with a sulfonate group and an immobilization agent.
Patent No 6,534,462 B1 for a gel treatment formulation to treat fabric stains. The product contains a surfactant-containing liquid that has a non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, non-ionic solubilizing agent and an enzyme, in addition to water. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
Powder detergent patented by Huish Huish Detergents Inc of Salt Lake City, UT, USA, was granted US Patent No 6,534,464 B1 for a granular or powdered detergent that features reduced di-salt formation. The new product contains polyalkoxylated alkanolamide particles and alphasulfofatty acid ester particles. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
Tablet detergent patented by Unilever Unilever Patent Holdings BV of Vlaardingen, The Netherlands, obtained US Patent No 6,534,473 B1 for a process to produce detergent tablets and mix non-soap organic surfactant particles with a non-soap, non-surfactant, water-soluble material. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
Henkel awarded patent for coloured detergent Henkel of Düsseldorf, Germany, obtained US Patent No 6,534,471 B1 for coloured detergent particles. The particles are created by forming a slurry with a minimum of one inorganic powdering agent, at least one dye and an optional bleach activator. The slurry is spray-dried to form coloured particles of powdering agent, which are then applied to detergent particles. HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 24
HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jun 2003, 40 (6), 25
Fabric stain-treating gel detergent patented Access Business Group International LLC of Ada, MI, USA, was issued US
Hard surface gloss retention compositions patented Cognis Corp of Gulph Mills, PA, USA, secured US Patent No 6,532,973 B1 for a hard surface cleaner consisting 5