- Email: [email protected]
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Business performance, outlook for 2009
F O C U S (Website: http://www.nfa-online.de) (in German) & Chemie Technik (Heidelberg), 23 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.chemietechnik.de) (in German) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 27 Apr 2009, (463), 5 (in French) & Press releases from BASF SE, D-67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany. Tel: +49 (0) 621 600. Website: http://www.basf.com (20 Apr 2009) and from SüdChemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany. Tel: +49 89 5110 0. Fax: +49 89 5110 375. Website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Cosmo considers widening use of enhanced FCC process Cosmo Oil is considering rolling out its improved fluid-catalytic-cracking (FCC) technology at all its refineries in Japan. The process uses a proprietary catalyst to remove sulfur from gasoline without lowering the gasoline’s octane rating. The company is now looking for a way to increase the propylene output of the FCC process, which was first launched in 2006 at a Cosmo refinery in Chiba, Japan. The company managed to boost its propylene capacity to approximately 200,000 tonne/y at its four refineries by expanding its gasrecovery systems. Japan Chemical Web, 3 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.japanchemicalweb.jp)
ExxonMobil Chemical develops new ultra-low aromatic fluids ExxonMobil Chemical (ExxonMobil) is demonstrating its continued leadership in hydrocarbon fluids by applying proprietary catalyst hydrogenation technology to introduce its Ultra-Low Aromatic (ULA) product family. The technology enables the production of ULA fluids that comply with the most stringent environmental and regulatory requirements. This capability ensures that ExxonMobil customers will be able to access an ultra-low aromatic solution for their markets as the need arises. Press release from:ExxonMobil Chemical Co, 13501, Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 1398, USA. Tel: +1 281 870 6000. Fax: +1 281 870 6661. Website: http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com (23 Apr 2009)
Honeywell, Ensyn launch fuel jv Envergent Technologies is the new bio-based transportation fuel jv formed by Honeywell’s UOP and USbased bio-oil producer Ensyn. The jv is a provider of technology and equipment for producing biomassbased pyrolysis oil. Chemical Week, 6 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
JUNE 2009
O N
C ATA LY S T S
Lubrizol’s new system protects engine, catalyst, and the environment On 30 Apr 2009, The Lubrizol Corp introduced its new HyperZDP System – a patented lubricant additive technology delivering an ideal balance between extended catalyst system life and engine wear protection. The HyperZDP System offers a distinct advantage over conventional zinc dithiophosphate (ZDP) systems. While many conventional ZDP products provide good wear protection, they don’t protect the catalyst. Press release from: Lubrizol Corp, Lubrizol Additives Segment, 29400 Lakeland Boulevard, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092, USA. Tel: +1 440 943 4200. Website: http://www.lubrizol.com (30 Apr 2009)
Nippon Shokubai: consolidated results for 3Q FY 2009 Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd’s total sales in the nine months ended 31 Dec 2008 are broken down by business segments into Yen 130,499 M from basic chemicals; Yen 117,019 M from functional chemicals; and Yen 28,278 M from environment and catalysts. Operating income is broken down into Yen 5808 M in basic chemicals; Yen 879 M in functional chemicals; and Yen 1273 M in environment and catalysts. Nippon Shokubai Results 3Q FY 2009, 6 Feb 2009, 8 (Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd, General Affairs Department, Public Relations Group, Japan. Tel: +81 6 6223 9105. Website: http://www.shokubai.co.jp/eng)
Novozymes technical enzyme sales up less than expected in 1Q 2009 Novozymes’ sales of technical enzymes totalled DKR 601 M in 1Q 2009, compared with DKR 560 M in 1Q 2008. Analysts had predicted DKR 638 M. Novozymes now expects a 4% growth in enzyme sales for the whole of 2009 but has not given any forecast for technical enzyme sales. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
now expecting a sales growth of over 4% in DKR and a weakly positive growth in local currencies. It is maintaining its forecast of a growth in profits of 5-10% for the whole of 2009 thanks to higher productivity and reduced costs, though much depends on the development of the world economy. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Novozymes’ enzymes for bioethanol and washing products come under pressure in 2009 Sydbank believes that Novozymes is coming under pressure in the two important business areas of bioethanol enzymes and washing product enzymes and that it can now expect an increase of only around 5% in sales of bioethanol enzymes in 2009. Ethanol producers are not currently in a position to fund secondgeneration bioethanol plants and it will be 1-2 years before successful commercial production might be feasible. The incentive to use enzymes in washing products has lessened as oil-based ingredients have become cheaper and therefore growth forecasts for this area are being reduced. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Reaxa offers new nickel catalyst Reaxa is carrying out beta tests for its non-pyrophoric and reusable hydrogenation catalyst Nickel EnCat in Europe, North America, India, and Japan. The company is now offering Nickel EnCat in commercial amounts. The catalyst can significantly reduce process expenditures, as it can be reused, as well as eliminate the purification process. Nickel EnCat can replace the standard Raney/sponge nickel catalysts, which require complicated and risky processes. Nickel makes up 20% of the drug hydrogenation catalyst market.
Novozymes looks to cut costs in 2009
Manufacturing Chemist, Mar 2009, 80 (3), 22
As enzyme sales were below expectations in 1Q 2009, Novozymes believes it needs to bring down costs, especially in the area of sales. Novozymes had expected a sales growth of 8-13% in 1Q 2009 in DKR and 3-8% in local currencies, but it is
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Business performance, outlook for 2009 During 1Q 2009, economic performance by the Süd-Chemie Group fell short of the figures reported for 1Q 2008. Consolidated revenue fell by
3
F O C U S €7.7 M to €261.5 M. Both divisions (Catalysts Division and Adsorbents Division) registered a lower volume of business. Currency effects had a positive influence on revenue during 1Q 2009, amounting to €4.3 M. Companies acquired from 2Q 2008 onwards and newly-formed jvs contributed another €7.6 M to revenue. During 1Q 2009, the current economic situation had an even stronger negative impact on consolidated profit from operations (EBIT) than on revenue. Especially during Jan and Feb, the Group suffered a significant setback in earnings. In Mar 2009, the earnings returned to normal and the Group is able to view ongoing performance in 2009 with a degree of confidence. During 1Q 2009, EBIT fell to €12.3 M (1Q 2008: €27.0 M). The EBITDA was down from €37.9 M to €26.6 M. At 31 Mar 2009, Süd-Chemie Group employees totalled 6318, (1Q 2008: 5137). Revenues of between €1.15 and €1.2 bn are expected for 2009 which, compared with 2008, represents a drop of no more than 4%. An EBIT of €95-100 M is expected, no more than 20% down on 2008. Süd-Chemie Interim Report 1Q 2009, 5 May 2009, 3,10 (Süd-Chemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany. Tel: +49 89 5110 0. Fax: +49 89 5110 375. Website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Süd-Chemie predicts that demand will recover in 2010 Süd-Chemie expects demand to recover by 2010 and predicts a turnover of between €1.25-1.3 bn for this period. However the company forecasts a slight downturn in sales for 2009. Süd-Chemie targets a pretax profit of €120 M in 2010. The company is currently implementing a cost-saving programme which will target administrative and staff costs. Farbe und Lack, May 2009, 115 (5), 19 (in German)
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Results for Catalytic Technologies Business Unit Süd-Chemie’s Catalytic Technologies Business Unit consists of four industry groups, namely Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Refinery and Olefin Polymerization. Strong activity in Mar 2009 was able to compensate for the weak start to the year in the Catalytic Technologies Business Unit. Compared with 1Q 2008, revenues for 1Q 2009
4
O N
C ATA LY S T S
rose by €4.6 M due to higher sales of process catalysts in the two Industry Groups for Petrochemicals and Refineries. However, a significant drop of €7.8 M to €8.9 M was nevertheless recorded in profit from operations (EBIT) over the same period, as a result of lower capacity utilization in the production plants. At the end of the first quarter of 2009, the Business Unit continued to report a satisfactory forward order level. Key financial data are tabulated. At the end of 1Q 2009, this business unit had 2053 employees (1Q 2008: 1701). Süd-Chemie Interim Report 1Q 2009, 5 May 2009, 7 (Süd-Chemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany. Tel: +49 89 5110 0. Fax: +49 89 5110 375. Website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Summary of results for Adsorbents Division and Catalysts Division Süd-Chemie’s Adsorbents Division includes the four Business Units of Adsorbents and Additives, Foundry Products and Specialty Resins, Performance Packaging, and Water Treatment. Compared with 1Q 2008, the Adsorbents Division suffered a €8.2 M fall in revenue, to €162.4 M for 1Q 2009. This downturn resulted mainly from operations in the Adsorbents and Additives Business Unit. A significant decrease of €5.7 M to €12.1 M was recorded in profit from operations (EBIT) compared with 1Q 2008. A total of 3654 people were employed in the Adsorbents Division at 31 Mar 2009. (1Q 2008: 2914). The Catalysts Division consists of two Business Units, Catalytic Technologies and Energy and Environment. The Catalysts Division registered a slight upturn in business activity during the first three months of 2009. Compared with 1Q 2008, revenue rose by €0.6 M to €99.1 M. EBIT reached just €4.0 M, a marked drop of €11.6 M compared with 1Q 2008. The number of employees in the Catalysts Division totalled 2260 at 31 Mar 2009 (1Q 2008: 1858). Süd-Chemie Interim Report 1Q 2009, 5 May 2009, 4,6 (Süd-Chemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany, tel: +49 89 5110 0, fax: +49 89 5110 375, website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Verdezyne, Novozymes partner for industrial enzymes Verdezyne and enzyme producer Novozymes will join forces to develop
industrial enzymes. Verdezyne, which specializes in biobased technologies for chemicals and fuels, will optimize genes that code for industrial enzymes using computational and biological methods. The enzymes will be produced by Novozymes in microbes. Chemical and Engineering News, 20 Apr 2009, 87 (16), 20
Grace reports 1Q 2009 results and restructuring WR Grace & Co announced its financial results for 1Q ended Mar 2009. Sales for 1Q 2009 were $682.1 M ($759.2 M in 1Q 2009). Sales were down 5.3% in North America and 23.8% in Europe, and up 11.1% in Latin America and 8.0% in Asia Pacific for 1Q 2009. Net loss for 1Q 2009 was $38.9 M, or $0.54/diluted share (net income of $17.7 M, or $0.24/diluted share, in 1Q 2008). The 1Q 2009 sales for the Grace Davison operating segment, which includes speciality catalysts and materials used in a wide range of industrial applications, were $477.8 M, down 3.9% from 1Q 2008. Refining Technologies – sales of catalysts and chemical additives used by petroleum refineries were $276.7 M in 1Q 2009, up 16.8% from 1Q 2008. The 1Q 2009 sales were down 17.5% in North America and up 2.6% in Latin America, when compared with 1Q 2008. Europe – sales of products to customers in Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India were $62.9 M in 1Q 2009, down 35.6% from 1Q 2008. Asia – sales of products to customers in Asia (excluding India), Australia, and New Zealand were $29.6 M in 1Q 2009, down 7.5% from 1Q 2008. WR Grace & Co financial results 1Q 2009, 23 Apr 2009 (WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, USA. Tel: +1 410 531 4514. Website: http://www.grace.com)
NEW PLANTS BASF adds PP catalyst capacity BASF Catalysts has increased its polypropylene catalyst capacity via expansion and debottlenecking. The bulk of the additional capacity was for the LYNX catalysts produced at the company’s factory in Pasadena, TX. Chemical Week, 27 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
JUNE 2009
Cosmo considers widening use of enhanced FCC process Cosmo Oil is considering rolling out its improved fluid-catalytic-cracking (FCC) technology at all its refineries in Japan. The process uses a proprietary catalyst to remove sulfur from gasoline without lowering the gasoline’s octane rating. The company is now looking for a way to increase the propylene output of the FCC process, which was first launched in 2006 at a Cosmo refinery in Chiba, Japan. The company managed to boost its propylene capacity to approximately 200,000 tonne/y at its four refineries by expanding its gasrecovery systems. Japan Chemical Web, 3 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.japanchemicalweb.jp)
ExxonMobil Chemical develops new ultra-low aromatic fluids ExxonMobil Chemical (ExxonMobil) is demonstrating its continued leadership in hydrocarbon fluids by applying proprietary catalyst hydrogenation technology to introduce its Ultra-Low Aromatic (ULA) product family. The technology enables the production of ULA fluids that comply with the most stringent environmental and regulatory requirements. This capability ensures that ExxonMobil customers will be able to access an ultra-low aromatic solution for their markets as the need arises. Press release from:ExxonMobil Chemical Co, 13501, Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 1398, USA. Tel: +1 281 870 6000. Fax: +1 281 870 6661. Website: http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com (23 Apr 2009)
Honeywell, Ensyn launch fuel jv Envergent Technologies is the new bio-based transportation fuel jv formed by Honeywell’s UOP and USbased bio-oil producer Ensyn. The jv is a provider of technology and equipment for producing biomassbased pyrolysis oil. Chemical Week, 6 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
JUNE 2009
O N
C ATA LY S T S
Lubrizol’s new system protects engine, catalyst, and the environment On 30 Apr 2009, The Lubrizol Corp introduced its new HyperZDP System – a patented lubricant additive technology delivering an ideal balance between extended catalyst system life and engine wear protection. The HyperZDP System offers a distinct advantage over conventional zinc dithiophosphate (ZDP) systems. While many conventional ZDP products provide good wear protection, they don’t protect the catalyst. Press release from: Lubrizol Corp, Lubrizol Additives Segment, 29400 Lakeland Boulevard, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092, USA. Tel: +1 440 943 4200. Website: http://www.lubrizol.com (30 Apr 2009)
Nippon Shokubai: consolidated results for 3Q FY 2009 Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd’s total sales in the nine months ended 31 Dec 2008 are broken down by business segments into Yen 130,499 M from basic chemicals; Yen 117,019 M from functional chemicals; and Yen 28,278 M from environment and catalysts. Operating income is broken down into Yen 5808 M in basic chemicals; Yen 879 M in functional chemicals; and Yen 1273 M in environment and catalysts. Nippon Shokubai Results 3Q FY 2009, 6 Feb 2009, 8 (Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd, General Affairs Department, Public Relations Group, Japan. Tel: +81 6 6223 9105. Website: http://www.shokubai.co.jp/eng)
Novozymes technical enzyme sales up less than expected in 1Q 2009 Novozymes’ sales of technical enzymes totalled DKR 601 M in 1Q 2009, compared with DKR 560 M in 1Q 2008. Analysts had predicted DKR 638 M. Novozymes now expects a 4% growth in enzyme sales for the whole of 2009 but has not given any forecast for technical enzyme sales. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
now expecting a sales growth of over 4% in DKR and a weakly positive growth in local currencies. It is maintaining its forecast of a growth in profits of 5-10% for the whole of 2009 thanks to higher productivity and reduced costs, though much depends on the development of the world economy. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Novozymes’ enzymes for bioethanol and washing products come under pressure in 2009 Sydbank believes that Novozymes is coming under pressure in the two important business areas of bioethanol enzymes and washing product enzymes and that it can now expect an increase of only around 5% in sales of bioethanol enzymes in 2009. Ethanol producers are not currently in a position to fund secondgeneration bioethanol plants and it will be 1-2 years before successful commercial production might be feasible. The incentive to use enzymes in washing products has lessened as oil-based ingredients have become cheaper and therefore growth forecasts for this area are being reduced. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Reaxa offers new nickel catalyst Reaxa is carrying out beta tests for its non-pyrophoric and reusable hydrogenation catalyst Nickel EnCat in Europe, North America, India, and Japan. The company is now offering Nickel EnCat in commercial amounts. The catalyst can significantly reduce process expenditures, as it can be reused, as well as eliminate the purification process. Nickel EnCat can replace the standard Raney/sponge nickel catalysts, which require complicated and risky processes. Nickel makes up 20% of the drug hydrogenation catalyst market.
Novozymes looks to cut costs in 2009
Manufacturing Chemist, Mar 2009, 80 (3), 22
As enzyme sales were below expectations in 1Q 2009, Novozymes believes it needs to bring down costs, especially in the area of sales. Novozymes had expected a sales growth of 8-13% in 1Q 2009 in DKR and 3-8% in local currencies, but it is
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Business performance, outlook for 2009 During 1Q 2009, economic performance by the Süd-Chemie Group fell short of the figures reported for 1Q 2008. Consolidated revenue fell by
3
F O C U S €7.7 M to €261.5 M. Both divisions (Catalysts Division and Adsorbents Division) registered a lower volume of business. Currency effects had a positive influence on revenue during 1Q 2009, amounting to €4.3 M. Companies acquired from 2Q 2008 onwards and newly-formed jvs contributed another €7.6 M to revenue. During 1Q 2009, the current economic situation had an even stronger negative impact on consolidated profit from operations (EBIT) than on revenue. Especially during Jan and Feb, the Group suffered a significant setback in earnings. In Mar 2009, the earnings returned to normal and the Group is able to view ongoing performance in 2009 with a degree of confidence. During 1Q 2009, EBIT fell to €12.3 M (1Q 2008: €27.0 M). The EBITDA was down from €37.9 M to €26.6 M. At 31 Mar 2009, Süd-Chemie Group employees totalled 6318, (1Q 2008: 5137). Revenues of between €1.15 and €1.2 bn are expected for 2009 which, compared with 2008, represents a drop of no more than 4%. An EBIT of €95-100 M is expected, no more than 20% down on 2008. Süd-Chemie Interim Report 1Q 2009, 5 May 2009, 3,10 (Süd-Chemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany. Tel: +49 89 5110 0. Fax: +49 89 5110 375. Website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Süd-Chemie predicts that demand will recover in 2010 Süd-Chemie expects demand to recover by 2010 and predicts a turnover of between €1.25-1.3 bn for this period. However the company forecasts a slight downturn in sales for 2009. Süd-Chemie targets a pretax profit of €120 M in 2010. The company is currently implementing a cost-saving programme which will target administrative and staff costs. Farbe und Lack, May 2009, 115 (5), 19 (in German)
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Results for Catalytic Technologies Business Unit Süd-Chemie’s Catalytic Technologies Business Unit consists of four industry groups, namely Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Refinery and Olefin Polymerization. Strong activity in Mar 2009 was able to compensate for the weak start to the year in the Catalytic Technologies Business Unit. Compared with 1Q 2008, revenues for 1Q 2009
4
O N
C ATA LY S T S
rose by €4.6 M due to higher sales of process catalysts in the two Industry Groups for Petrochemicals and Refineries. However, a significant drop of €7.8 M to €8.9 M was nevertheless recorded in profit from operations (EBIT) over the same period, as a result of lower capacity utilization in the production plants. At the end of the first quarter of 2009, the Business Unit continued to report a satisfactory forward order level. Key financial data are tabulated. At the end of 1Q 2009, this business unit had 2053 employees (1Q 2008: 1701). Süd-Chemie Interim Report 1Q 2009, 5 May 2009, 7 (Süd-Chemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany. Tel: +49 89 5110 0. Fax: +49 89 5110 375. Website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Süd-Chemie 1Q 2009: Summary of results for Adsorbents Division and Catalysts Division Süd-Chemie’s Adsorbents Division includes the four Business Units of Adsorbents and Additives, Foundry Products and Specialty Resins, Performance Packaging, and Water Treatment. Compared with 1Q 2008, the Adsorbents Division suffered a €8.2 M fall in revenue, to €162.4 M for 1Q 2009. This downturn resulted mainly from operations in the Adsorbents and Additives Business Unit. A significant decrease of €5.7 M to €12.1 M was recorded in profit from operations (EBIT) compared with 1Q 2008. A total of 3654 people were employed in the Adsorbents Division at 31 Mar 2009. (1Q 2008: 2914). The Catalysts Division consists of two Business Units, Catalytic Technologies and Energy and Environment. The Catalysts Division registered a slight upturn in business activity during the first three months of 2009. Compared with 1Q 2008, revenue rose by €0.6 M to €99.1 M. EBIT reached just €4.0 M, a marked drop of €11.6 M compared with 1Q 2008. The number of employees in the Catalysts Division totalled 2260 at 31 Mar 2009 (1Q 2008: 1858). Süd-Chemie Interim Report 1Q 2009, 5 May 2009, 4,6 (Süd-Chemie AG, Lenbachplatz 6, 80333 Munich, Germany, tel: +49 89 5110 0, fax: +49 89 5110 375, website: http://www.sud-chemie.com)
Verdezyne, Novozymes partner for industrial enzymes Verdezyne and enzyme producer Novozymes will join forces to develop
industrial enzymes. Verdezyne, which specializes in biobased technologies for chemicals and fuels, will optimize genes that code for industrial enzymes using computational and biological methods. The enzymes will be produced by Novozymes in microbes. Chemical and Engineering News, 20 Apr 2009, 87 (16), 20
Grace reports 1Q 2009 results and restructuring WR Grace & Co announced its financial results for 1Q ended Mar 2009. Sales for 1Q 2009 were $682.1 M ($759.2 M in 1Q 2009). Sales were down 5.3% in North America and 23.8% in Europe, and up 11.1% in Latin America and 8.0% in Asia Pacific for 1Q 2009. Net loss for 1Q 2009 was $38.9 M, or $0.54/diluted share (net income of $17.7 M, or $0.24/diluted share, in 1Q 2008). The 1Q 2009 sales for the Grace Davison operating segment, which includes speciality catalysts and materials used in a wide range of industrial applications, were $477.8 M, down 3.9% from 1Q 2008. Refining Technologies – sales of catalysts and chemical additives used by petroleum refineries were $276.7 M in 1Q 2009, up 16.8% from 1Q 2008. The 1Q 2009 sales were down 17.5% in North America and up 2.6% in Latin America, when compared with 1Q 2008. Europe – sales of products to customers in Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India were $62.9 M in 1Q 2009, down 35.6% from 1Q 2008. Asia – sales of products to customers in Asia (excluding India), Australia, and New Zealand were $29.6 M in 1Q 2009, down 7.5% from 1Q 2008. WR Grace & Co financial results 1Q 2009, 23 Apr 2009 (WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, USA. Tel: +1 410 531 4514. Website: http://www.grace.com)
NEW PLANTS BASF adds PP catalyst capacity BASF Catalysts has increased its polypropylene catalyst capacity via expansion and debottlenecking. The bulk of the additional capacity was for the LYNX catalysts produced at the company’s factory in Pasadena, TX. Chemical Week, 27 Apr 2009 (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
JUNE 2009