Verdezyne builds Malaysian DDDA plant

Verdezyne builds Malaysian DDDA plant

FOCUS Reckitt Benckiser posts 1H 2017 results Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Group reported net revenue for 1H 2017 of £5017 M (c s5570 M), a like-for-like (L...

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FOCUS Reckitt Benckiser posts 1H 2017 results Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Group reported net revenue for 1H 2017 of £5017 M (c s5570 M), a like-for-like (LFL) decrease of 1%. Including recent acquisitions, total constant growth for the continuing business was 2%. The weakening of the pound versus many currencies added a further 12% to growth, taking the total reported growth to 14%. Net revenue in Europe & North America (ENA) declined by 3% on a LFL basis, with North America flat and ‘Rest of ENA’ -5%. Gross margin for 1H 2017 increased by +10 bps to 60.4%. Operating profit was £1063 M, +50% versus 1H 2016 (+27% constant). Net income attributable to owners of the parent (as reported) was £777 M, an increase of 61% versus 1H 2016 (+34% constant), impacted by exceptional items. On an adjusted basis, net income grew 14% at actual exchange rates, and declined by 1% on a constant basis. RB’s total 2Q 2017 net revenue was £2479 M, a LFL decrease of 2%. ENA (-4% LFL) saw a resilient performance from North America (flat LFL) and a weak quarter from the rest of ENA (-6% LFL). Western Europe was impacted by a combination of slower market growth, a decline in the Scholl brand across many markets, and delays in shipping and invoicing. Russia/CIS had a good quarter of growth, although the market remains fragile. DvM (Developing Markets) grew by 2% in the quarter on a LFL basis with strong performances from China, South Africa, Nigeria and Pakistan. On a category basis Health was weak at -4% LFL in the quarter while Hygiene declined by 1% LFL. Original source: Reckitt Benckiser, 24 Jul 2017 (Website: http://www.rb.com/) ã Reckitt Benckiser Group plc 2017

Sasol delivers robust all round performance Sasol’s earnings attributable to shareholders for the year ended 30 Jun 2017 increased by 54% to R20.4 bn (c s1.27 bn) from R13.2 bn in FY 2016. A net gain of R1608 M ($118 M) was recognized during the period. The Lake Charles Chemicals project in Louisiana, USA, was reported to be 74% complete, with capital expenditure of $7.5 bn to date, which is on track for the revised estimate of $11 bn [‘Focus on Surfactants’, Oct 2016]. Original Source: Sasol Limited, 2017. Found on PR Newswire, 21 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)

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COMPANY NEWS Inolex expands technical expertise with Centre of Excellence lab in China Inolex has continued to build its global presence with increased lab capabilities and personnel additions in Guangzhou, China. The location is developing as a ‘Center of Excellence’ and indicates a key market for Inolex’s growth, particularly in alternative preservation solutions and natural, innovative ingredients for the beauty and personal care industry. A full-scale microbiology laboratory has been established in Guangzhou to complement Inolex’s existing commercial and technical centre. This new lab will provide services for challenge tests and MIC tests for internal and external projects related to formulations containing alternative preservation systems. Inolex has also recently increased its presence in Europe with the opening of a new sales office in Paris, France. It will focus particularly on the company’s portfolio of alternative preservatives and natural personal care ingredients. Original Source: Inolex, 2017. Found on SpecialChem Cosmetics and Personal Care Innovation and Solutions, 15 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.specialchem4cosmetics. com). Original Source: Inolex, 24 Jul 2017 (Website: www.inolex.com) ã Inolex 2017

Verdezyne builds Malaysian DDDA plant Bio-based chemicals producer Verdezyne has started the construction of a dodecanedioic acid (DDDA) facility in southern Malaysia. The 6000 tonnes/ y unit will employ a yeast fermentation platform to generate DDDA from waste materials from palm oil processing. DDDA has a range of applications, including the manufacture of surfactants. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 7 Aug 2017, 95 (32), 12 (Website: http://cen.acs.org/index.html) ã American Chemical Society 2017

Dow to start construction on $100 M R&D centre Dow Chemical Co has announced that it is to begin the construction of its $100 M R&D facility at its heritage Dow Corning corporate campus in Midland, MI, USA [see also ‘Focus on Surfactants’, Feb 2017]. The 100,000 sq ft centre is

anticipated to house around 200 staff, of which 100 will be new positions. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 4Q 2019. Featuring both laboratory and office space, the facility will be dedicated to innovation at the intersections of silicone science and organic chemistry. Original Source: Plastics News, 31 Jul 2017, (Website: http://www.plasticsnews.com) ã Crain Communications Inc 2017

DuPont & Dow finalize merger of equals DuPont and The Dow Chemical Company announced on 4 Aug 2017 that all required regulatory approvals and clearances had been received, that all conditions to the closing of their merger of equals had been satisfied, and that the transaction would be completed after the stock market closed on 31 Aug 2017. Shares of Dow and DuPont were to cease trading at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on 31 Aug 2017. Shares of DowDuPont were to begin trading on the NYSE under the stock ticker symbol ‘DWDP’ on 1 Sep 2017. The new firm will be the biggest chemical company worldwide after BASF, with a market value of $150 bn. The companies continue to expect that the combined entity will split as planned into three independent firms within 18 months of closing, focusing on materials, speciality products and agriculture [see also, ‘Focus on Surfactants’, Feb 2016]. Original source: Dow Chemical, 4 Aug 2017, (Website: http://www.dow.com) ã The Dow Chemical Company 2017. Original Source: ChemistryViews, 7 Aug 2017, (Website: http:// www.chemistryviews.org) ã Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co KGaA 2017

Univar & Hallstar grow European distribution partnership Univar BV, a subsidiary of global chemical and ingredients distributor Univar Inc, has announced the extension of its exclusive agreement with Hallstar in Italy to include five additional European markets: Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Benelux. With this expanded agreement, Univar now offers a range of products across southern Europe and up to Benelux, including: emulsifiers and surfactants (Olivem and Florasolvs), emollients (Olivem, Sensolene and Florasolvs), solubilizers (Hallbrite and Spectrasolv), and natural exotic oils and butters (Biochemica), among others. Original source: Univar, 3 Jul 2017, (Website: http://www.univar.com) ã Univar Inc 2017

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