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Symyx in new partnerships
FOCUS $2 bn in 2004. Genencor’s new textile enzyme Oxy-Gone T400 is said to offer manufacturers greater flexibility and efficiency during the hydrogen peroxide elimination step in textile processing. The catalase also has superior storage stability and has the highest hydrogen peroxide tolerance among competitive products. Chemical Market Reporter, 27 Jun 2005 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
Ineos concentrates on core Options for the sale of Ineos Silicas are being explored by Morgan Stanley on behalf of Ineos Group after it had been approached by third parties interested in the business. Ineos’ main areas are bulk chemicals and polymers and the silicas business is on the periphery. Employing 902 staff for the production of silicates, zeolites and silicas-related materials, Ineos Silicas recorded sales of €230 M in 2004. Silicates capacity is 720,000 tonne/y, zeolites capacity is 260,000 tonne/y and silicas capacity is 60,000 tonne/y. At Wilhelmshaven, Germany, €1 bn is to be invested to expand facilities. European Chemical News, 20 Jun 2005, 82 (2152), 6 & Chemical Week, 22 Jun 2005, 167 (21) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com) & Chemical Market Reporter, 20 Jun 2005 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 20 Jun 2005, (302), 22 (in French)
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JM launches Vertec AC450 and raises prices Johnson Matthey Catalysts, maker of organic titanates, has introduced Vertec AC450 catalyst targeted at the PET resin market where a clean, colourless polymer is needed. The technology is based on the Vertec 400 series that provides faster reaction rates, enhanced polymer properties, including high tensile strength fibres, improved clarity films, and minimal residues. The prices of Vertec products are being raised and additional increases are possible. Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, 23 Jun 2005, 18 (3), 35 & PPCJ, Polymers, Paint, Colour Journal, Jun 2005, 195 (4489), 9
Mitsubishi Chemical to tie up with Dalian University on catalysts In Jun 2005, a three-year agreement will begin in which Mitsubishi Chemical and Dalian University of Technology, China, will jointly promote the practical utilization of developments in organic synthesis, catalysts, and inorganic chemicals. Joint R&D will be undertaken on catalysts for petrochemical applications and on the development of organic and inorganic materials, particularly for electronic materials. Japan Chemical Week, 23 Jun 2005, 46 (2323), 2
Novozymes 2004: industrial and technical enzymes JM says outlook is good for next few years Johnson Matthey’s operating profit rose 1% to £208 M for the year ended 31 Mar 2005, helped by a strong performance in colours and coatings. Total sales increased 3% to £4.64 bn. Operating profit in the catalyst division rose 2% to £111.5 M on sales that rose 4% to £1.18 bn. Excluding the value of precious metals, sales fell 3% to £698 M. The company expects to see the rate of growth of earnings increase in 2H 2005/2006 with extra revenues from diesel emission control products and new generic pharmaceuticals. European Chemical News, 6 Jun 2005, 82 (2150), 6 & Press release from Johnson Matthey PLC, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5BQ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)207 7269 8400. Website: http://www.matthey.com
AUGUST 2005
Enzymes for industrial use account for 95% of Novozymes’ turnover. They are divided into three categories: technical enzymes, food enzymes, and feed enzymes. Technical enzymes include products for the detergent industry, the starch, textile, fuel ethanol, pharmaceutical, leather, and forest products industries, and various smaller industries. Biopolymers and sales of proteins for the pharmaceutical industry from Novozymes Biopharma AB are also included in this category. Novozymes’ market share is 45-50%. It expects long-term annual sales growth of approximately 5%. Sales of detergent enzymes fell by 1% in 2004, although there was slight growth measured in local currencies after several years of stagnation in this market. Novozymes is working on developing the market
for detergent enzymes through the introduction of innovative new products with improved properties. It expects slight growth in local currency terms in 2005 on the market for detergent enzymes. Sales of other technical enzymes grew by 5%, due mainly to sharp growth in sales of enzymes to the fuel ethanol industry in the US and healthy growth in sales of enzymes to the textile industry in China. Growth was significantly higher measured in local currency terms. Sales of technical and industrial enzymes are illustrated in histograms covering 2000-2004. Novozymes Annual Report 2004, 7 Mar 2005 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 362880, Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com) & BioSpectrum, Jun 2005, 3 (6), 56 (Website: http://www.biospectrumindia.com)
Süd-Chemie changing owners Three corporate shareholders in SüdChemie have agreed to sell their 39% share in the company to a private equity group, One Equity Partners. The group hopes to acquire sufficient additional shares in order to control the company. The present value of the company is about $500 M. Chemical & Engineering News, 20 Jun 2005, 83 (25), 19 & Chemical Week, 22 Jun 2005, 167 (21), 19 & Chemical Market Reporter, 20 Jun 2005, (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 16 Jun 2005, 226 (138), 15 (in German) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 20 Jun 2005, (302), 9 (in French)
Symyx can increase R&D output 1000 times Symyx is the world’s largest R&D company in HTR (high-throughput research). It has collaborations with 25 other companies, of which the largest are with ExxonMobil Chemical and Dow Chemical. It expects to break the $100 M sales barrier this year. It is now involved in R&D software in addition to laboratory experimentation. Chemical Week, 8 Jun 2005, 167 (19), 45
Symyx in new partnerships In Apr 2005, Symyx agreed a joint marketing venture with Accenture. The terms of the agreement allow Accenture to market all Symyx’s technologies. Also in 2005, Symyx
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signed a 3y, $10 M extension to its collaboration with Univation for catalyst development for polyethylene technologies. Univation is a jv between Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil. Symyx also has collaborations with Intermolecular Inc of California, JSR Corp in semiconductors, and Hella KG in sensor technology.
Shell’s hydroprocessing catalyst plant
Chemical Market Reporter, 6 Jun 2005 (http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
European Chemical News, 27 Jun 2005, 82 (2153), 16
An ethylene oxide catalysts plant is to be constructed in Ghent, Belgium, by CRI Catalyst. Its affiliate, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies, is constructing a 13,600 tonne/y hydroprocessing catalysts plant. Both companies are subsidiaries of Shell Chemicals.
Haldor Topsoe signs two deals Syntroleum signs GTL deal with Exxon Syntroleum has obtained a worldwide GTL licence from ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co for the production and sale of fuels from natural gas or other carbon-based sources such as coals. The deal involves Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis, syngas production, and product upgrading for the manufacture of fuels and other related products. Also included are existing ExxonMobil patents in these areas and any modifications in the next few years. However, patents relating to certain specific catalyst compositions and manufacturing steps are not covered by the deal. Nitrogen and Methanol, May/Jun 2005, (275), 8
NEW PLANTS Algeria plans massive petrochemical investment Plans to expand petrochemical capacity have been confirmed by Sonatrach and Enterprise Nationale de l’Industrie Pétrochimique (Enip). Included in the expansion are ethylene complexes at Arzew and Skikda in Algeria; a fuel oil catalytic cracking complex a Skikda; a propane dehydrogenation and polypropylene complex at Arzew; an integrated nparaffins extraction and linear alkyl benzene complex at Skida; a purified terephthalic acid and polyethylene terephthalate resins complex at Skikda; and a central crude oil refinery. Existing petrochemical complexes at the two sites will also be renovated and expanded by Enip. Chemical Week, 15 Jun 2005, 167 (20) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
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Haldor Topsoe has been awarded a contract to provide technology for a 2000 tonne/day ammonia plant for Sohar International Urea and Chemicals in Oman. Snamprogetti has been awarded the contract to provide technology for a 3500 tonne/day urea plant while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the fertilizer complex. Haldor Topsoe is also supplying technology for a 170 tonne/day sulfuric acid plant for Molibdenos y Metales SA of Santiago, Chile. The Chilean plant is due to start up early 2007. Chemical Market Reporter, 6 Jun 2005 (http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
New FCC gasoline olefin-reducing catalyst A new FCC gasoline olefin-reducing catalyst developed by CNPC Lanzhou Petrochemical Co Ltd at its Research Institute of Petrochemical processing has won its second scientific and technological progress prize. The company has produced almost 20,000 tonnes of the catalyst and achieved sales of several hundred million RMB. It is being used in over 40 FCC units and 30 refineries in China. China Chemical Reporter, 26 May 2005, 16 (15), 15
expected to reach 121 tonnes, valued at Yen 4800 M. Japan Chemical Week, 2 Jun 2005, 46 (2320), 2
NEW TECHNOLOGY New solid acid catalyst based on carbon A group at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Titech) is developing new materials which are essentially sulfonated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, made by heating naphthalene with sulfuric acid. Samples will be made available for testing by potential users. Chemical Engineering (New York), May 2005, 112 (5), 16
Easier, faster and cleaner catalysis New encapsulated palladium catalyst technology (Pd EnCat) was first seen commercially in 2003. The development work was done by research collaboration between Cambridge University, Syngenta, Avecia, and AstraZeneca. The Pd EnCat product line is available from Sigma-Aldrich with new products at the planning stage. The Pd EnCat range is effective in an array of transformations. Key advantages are low residual metal and ligand levels in final products, ease of recovery by filtration, minimal plant contamination, efficiency and economy through ease of reuse and recycling, high selectivity in hydrogenation reactions, excellent level of activity in C-C bond formation, and compatibility with a wide range of process technologies. Chimica Oggi, May/Jun 2005, 23 (3), 29-31
Toho boosts PP catalyst capacity by 30% Toho Catalyst is to increase its capacity for catalysts for PP manufacture by 30% to 175 tonne/y. The Yen 1500 M investment at its Kurobe plant will be undertaken during autumn 2006. Production of PP is growing steadily in Asia and demand for Toho Catalyst’s THC catalyst is also growing. In 2003 it sold 96 tonnes and this rose to 105 tonnes in 2004. In 2005 sales are
Ethane-to-ethylene The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene has been known since the 1970s but has not proved economic. Two new approaches are now being tried. Celanese, working with Symyx, is developing improved catalysts; and Dow, working with the Pacific Northwest Laboratory, is using microchannel reactors. Chemical Week, 15 Jun 2005, 167 (20), 25
AUGUST 2005
Ineos concentrates on core Options for the sale of Ineos Silicas are being explored by Morgan Stanley on behalf of Ineos Group after it had been approached by third parties interested in the business. Ineos’ main areas are bulk chemicals and polymers and the silicas business is on the periphery. Employing 902 staff for the production of silicates, zeolites and silicas-related materials, Ineos Silicas recorded sales of €230 M in 2004. Silicates capacity is 720,000 tonne/y, zeolites capacity is 260,000 tonne/y and silicas capacity is 60,000 tonne/y. At Wilhelmshaven, Germany, €1 bn is to be invested to expand facilities. European Chemical News, 20 Jun 2005, 82 (2152), 6 & Chemical Week, 22 Jun 2005, 167 (21) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com) & Chemical Market Reporter, 20 Jun 2005 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 20 Jun 2005, (302), 22 (in French)
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JM launches Vertec AC450 and raises prices Johnson Matthey Catalysts, maker of organic titanates, has introduced Vertec AC450 catalyst targeted at the PET resin market where a clean, colourless polymer is needed. The technology is based on the Vertec 400 series that provides faster reaction rates, enhanced polymer properties, including high tensile strength fibres, improved clarity films, and minimal residues. The prices of Vertec products are being raised and additional increases are possible. Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, 23 Jun 2005, 18 (3), 35 & PPCJ, Polymers, Paint, Colour Journal, Jun 2005, 195 (4489), 9
Mitsubishi Chemical to tie up with Dalian University on catalysts In Jun 2005, a three-year agreement will begin in which Mitsubishi Chemical and Dalian University of Technology, China, will jointly promote the practical utilization of developments in organic synthesis, catalysts, and inorganic chemicals. Joint R&D will be undertaken on catalysts for petrochemical applications and on the development of organic and inorganic materials, particularly for electronic materials. Japan Chemical Week, 23 Jun 2005, 46 (2323), 2
Novozymes 2004: industrial and technical enzymes JM says outlook is good for next few years Johnson Matthey’s operating profit rose 1% to £208 M for the year ended 31 Mar 2005, helped by a strong performance in colours and coatings. Total sales increased 3% to £4.64 bn. Operating profit in the catalyst division rose 2% to £111.5 M on sales that rose 4% to £1.18 bn. Excluding the value of precious metals, sales fell 3% to £698 M. The company expects to see the rate of growth of earnings increase in 2H 2005/2006 with extra revenues from diesel emission control products and new generic pharmaceuticals. European Chemical News, 6 Jun 2005, 82 (2150), 6 & Press release from Johnson Matthey PLC, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5BQ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)207 7269 8400. Website: http://www.matthey.com
AUGUST 2005
Enzymes for industrial use account for 95% of Novozymes’ turnover. They are divided into three categories: technical enzymes, food enzymes, and feed enzymes. Technical enzymes include products for the detergent industry, the starch, textile, fuel ethanol, pharmaceutical, leather, and forest products industries, and various smaller industries. Biopolymers and sales of proteins for the pharmaceutical industry from Novozymes Biopharma AB are also included in this category. Novozymes’ market share is 45-50%. It expects long-term annual sales growth of approximately 5%. Sales of detergent enzymes fell by 1% in 2004, although there was slight growth measured in local currencies after several years of stagnation in this market. Novozymes is working on developing the market
for detergent enzymes through the introduction of innovative new products with improved properties. It expects slight growth in local currency terms in 2005 on the market for detergent enzymes. Sales of other technical enzymes grew by 5%, due mainly to sharp growth in sales of enzymes to the fuel ethanol industry in the US and healthy growth in sales of enzymes to the textile industry in China. Growth was significantly higher measured in local currency terms. Sales of technical and industrial enzymes are illustrated in histograms covering 2000-2004. Novozymes Annual Report 2004, 7 Mar 2005 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 362880, Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com) & BioSpectrum, Jun 2005, 3 (6), 56 (Website: http://www.biospectrumindia.com)
Süd-Chemie changing owners Three corporate shareholders in SüdChemie have agreed to sell their 39% share in the company to a private equity group, One Equity Partners. The group hopes to acquire sufficient additional shares in order to control the company. The present value of the company is about $500 M. Chemical & Engineering News, 20 Jun 2005, 83 (25), 19 & Chemical Week, 22 Jun 2005, 167 (21), 19 & Chemical Market Reporter, 20 Jun 2005, (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 16 Jun 2005, 226 (138), 15 (in German) & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 20 Jun 2005, (302), 9 (in French)
Symyx can increase R&D output 1000 times Symyx is the world’s largest R&D company in HTR (high-throughput research). It has collaborations with 25 other companies, of which the largest are with ExxonMobil Chemical and Dow Chemical. It expects to break the $100 M sales barrier this year. It is now involved in R&D software in addition to laboratory experimentation. Chemical Week, 8 Jun 2005, 167 (19), 45
Symyx in new partnerships In Apr 2005, Symyx agreed a joint marketing venture with Accenture. The terms of the agreement allow Accenture to market all Symyx’s technologies. Also in 2005, Symyx
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ON
C ATA LY S T S
signed a 3y, $10 M extension to its collaboration with Univation for catalyst development for polyethylene technologies. Univation is a jv between Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil. Symyx also has collaborations with Intermolecular Inc of California, JSR Corp in semiconductors, and Hella KG in sensor technology.
Shell’s hydroprocessing catalyst plant
Chemical Market Reporter, 6 Jun 2005 (http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
European Chemical News, 27 Jun 2005, 82 (2153), 16
An ethylene oxide catalysts plant is to be constructed in Ghent, Belgium, by CRI Catalyst. Its affiliate, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies, is constructing a 13,600 tonne/y hydroprocessing catalysts plant. Both companies are subsidiaries of Shell Chemicals.
Haldor Topsoe signs two deals Syntroleum signs GTL deal with Exxon Syntroleum has obtained a worldwide GTL licence from ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co for the production and sale of fuels from natural gas or other carbon-based sources such as coals. The deal involves Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis, syngas production, and product upgrading for the manufacture of fuels and other related products. Also included are existing ExxonMobil patents in these areas and any modifications in the next few years. However, patents relating to certain specific catalyst compositions and manufacturing steps are not covered by the deal. Nitrogen and Methanol, May/Jun 2005, (275), 8
NEW PLANTS Algeria plans massive petrochemical investment Plans to expand petrochemical capacity have been confirmed by Sonatrach and Enterprise Nationale de l’Industrie Pétrochimique (Enip). Included in the expansion are ethylene complexes at Arzew and Skikda in Algeria; a fuel oil catalytic cracking complex a Skikda; a propane dehydrogenation and polypropylene complex at Arzew; an integrated nparaffins extraction and linear alkyl benzene complex at Skida; a purified terephthalic acid and polyethylene terephthalate resins complex at Skikda; and a central crude oil refinery. Existing petrochemical complexes at the two sites will also be renovated and expanded by Enip. Chemical Week, 15 Jun 2005, 167 (20) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
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Haldor Topsoe has been awarded a contract to provide technology for a 2000 tonne/day ammonia plant for Sohar International Urea and Chemicals in Oman. Snamprogetti has been awarded the contract to provide technology for a 3500 tonne/day urea plant while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the fertilizer complex. Haldor Topsoe is also supplying technology for a 170 tonne/day sulfuric acid plant for Molibdenos y Metales SA of Santiago, Chile. The Chilean plant is due to start up early 2007. Chemical Market Reporter, 6 Jun 2005 (http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
New FCC gasoline olefin-reducing catalyst A new FCC gasoline olefin-reducing catalyst developed by CNPC Lanzhou Petrochemical Co Ltd at its Research Institute of Petrochemical processing has won its second scientific and technological progress prize. The company has produced almost 20,000 tonnes of the catalyst and achieved sales of several hundred million RMB. It is being used in over 40 FCC units and 30 refineries in China. China Chemical Reporter, 26 May 2005, 16 (15), 15
expected to reach 121 tonnes, valued at Yen 4800 M. Japan Chemical Week, 2 Jun 2005, 46 (2320), 2
NEW TECHNOLOGY New solid acid catalyst based on carbon A group at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Titech) is developing new materials which are essentially sulfonated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, made by heating naphthalene with sulfuric acid. Samples will be made available for testing by potential users. Chemical Engineering (New York), May 2005, 112 (5), 16
Easier, faster and cleaner catalysis New encapsulated palladium catalyst technology (Pd EnCat) was first seen commercially in 2003. The development work was done by research collaboration between Cambridge University, Syngenta, Avecia, and AstraZeneca. The Pd EnCat product line is available from Sigma-Aldrich with new products at the planning stage. The Pd EnCat range is effective in an array of transformations. Key advantages are low residual metal and ligand levels in final products, ease of recovery by filtration, minimal plant contamination, efficiency and economy through ease of reuse and recycling, high selectivity in hydrogenation reactions, excellent level of activity in C-C bond formation, and compatibility with a wide range of process technologies. Chimica Oggi, May/Jun 2005, 23 (3), 29-31
Toho boosts PP catalyst capacity by 30% Toho Catalyst is to increase its capacity for catalysts for PP manufacture by 30% to 175 tonne/y. The Yen 1500 M investment at its Kurobe plant will be undertaken during autumn 2006. Production of PP is growing steadily in Asia and demand for Toho Catalyst’s THC catalyst is also growing. In 2003 it sold 96 tonnes and this rose to 105 tonnes in 2004. In 2005 sales are
Ethane-to-ethylene The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene has been known since the 1970s but has not proved economic. Two new approaches are now being tried. Celanese, working with Symyx, is developing improved catalysts; and Dow, working with the Pacific Northwest Laboratory, is using microchannel reactors. Chemical Week, 15 Jun 2005, 167 (20), 25
AUGUST 2005