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The Five Emotions of Chemical Industry 4.0 Part 2: Pity and Hope
May 9, 2018
The onset of Chemical Industry 4.0 will be shocking, as industrial raw material processing and supply is turned upside down. It will leave many chemical industry producers and suppliers facing the five emotions of Chemical Industry 4.0.
Turning Sewage Sludge into Toluene
Apr 16, 2018
Chemists have discovered an enzyme that can breakdown sewage and turn it into toluene. Industrialisation of the process will not only lower chemical manufacturing input costs but will also help the chemical industry become more sustainable and contribute to the circular economy.
Top 7 Countries for Rare Earth Extraction
Apr 11, 2018
Rare earth extraction is vital business. As a result, it is big business worth more than $20 billion by 2024. But where are the major players placed, and where are the largest reserves to be found? To answer that, here are the top 7 countries for quantity of rare earth extraction.
The Chemical Industry and Brexit Uncertainty
Mar 14, 2018
Before anyone starts to panic about the situation chemical companies will face in March 2019 (when Brexit will turn from phrase to fact), it is important to establish some facts. How will it affect individual chemical companies, what trade barriers will there be, and how will UK chemical companies deal with REACH?
Can the UK Solve the Chemical Industry’s Brexit Challenge?
Mar 9, 2018
At present, Brexit means uncertainty. This is particularly bad news for the planning and investment heavy chemical industry because it is likely to suffer more than other sectors. Fortunately, the British government is working hard to find out what Brexit will mean, and that is ...
Six Ways that Technology is Changing the Chemical Industry Part 1
Feb 26, 2018
Technological changes change industries. Just ask Kodak; a company which famously ignored the digitalisation of photography. The latest technology is already changing the chemical industry. Computer modelling and big data, even modern theory on industrial processes are having an impact. So, what are the new advances, how is technology being used by chemical companies, and will BASF and DowDuPont adapt in time?
Six Ways that Technology is Changing the Chemical Industry Part 2
Feb 26, 2018
As Amazon and Alibaba have shown us all, technology is changing markets, and over the coming decade none will be more effected than the chemical industry. To keep you up-to-date, here is a brief summary of the technological changes and chemical industry trends that are being adopted now. Will your chemical company be ready for them?
The Year Ahead for Chemicals
Feb 16, 2018
In the dynamic world of the chemical industry it is important to keep a finger on the pulse of chemical markets and expert opinion. With this in mind, this article presents a snapshot of the business trends, chemical industry analytics, and a general outlook across the chemical industry from a wide variety of professional perspectives.
New Polymer Materials Created by Adding DNA Strands
Feb 9, 2018
By chemically imprinting polymer strands with DNA, polymer researchers have opened the door to a whole range of new polymer structures. It is hoped that these new materials will positively impact fields as diverse as pharmaceuticals and robotics.
Low Cost Catalyst for Shale Gas Processing Discovered for Cheaper Chemicals from Cheaper Raw Materials
Jan 19, 2018
Chemists have created a new catalyst for converting shale gas into industrial chemicals. By using a single atom alloy of platinum and copper, industrial chemical producers can make a catalyst from cheaper raw materials. Furthermore, the catalyst does not coke up, making it more efficient, and works at lower temperatures allowing for cheaper industrial chemical production.
Polymer Chemists Develop Process for Using Potato Starch as a Raw Material for Coatings
Jan 15, 2018
The coating industry’s reliance on petroleum as a chemical feedstock may be about to change, as polymer researchers have adapted potato starch as a raw material for paint, varnishes, and metal coatings. This research may open even allow potato starch to become a key raw material that will provide a source of chemical feedstocks to make the coatings industry more sustainable
Porous Polymer Membranes for Cheaper Industrial Chemicals
Dec 27, 2017
The discovery of a safer, cheaper, low-energy process for creating porous polymer membranes for the separation of chemical solutions will have a major impact on industrial chemical production. It will allow for the design of new pharmaceuticals, and make some industrial chemicals cheaper.
The Impact of China's 'Blue Skies' Environmental Policy on the Chemicals Sector
Dec 12, 2017
The introduction of China’s new environmental program is having an impact on chemical markets, as chemical facilities close, chemical supplies are restricted, and raw material prices climb. As such it seems wise for buyers to not only review their current chemical suppliers, but also to begin to source alternative chemical suppliers in case things get worse.
China’s Environmental Policy is Limiting Chemical Production and Increasing Chemical Prices
Dec 7, 2017
China’s economic policy has changed from an ideal of ‘growth at all costs’ to a ‘blue skies’ policy. Polluting chemical facilities are being shutdown or relocated, limiting chemical production and increasing prices.
China’s New Environmental Policy is Closing Factories and Stopping Chemical Production
Nov 17, 2017
China is in the midst of an all-out blitz on polluters flouting emissions standards, closing tens of thousands of factories in a massive effort to address the nation’s catastrophic pollution problems. Chemical industry consultants now advise chemical buyers to 'start watching your chemical suppliers on environmental issues', or begin looking for alternative chemical suppliers, at least on a ‘just in case’ basis.
Chemical Prices Surge as China’s “Blue Skies” Policy Limits Chemical Production
Nov 12, 2017
China's new environmentally-friendly approach to production is closing thousands of factories and chemical plants. How is this affecting chemical markets? Are manufacturers able to find the chemical raw materials they need? What can chemical buyers do to make sure they have the chemical products they need?
The Changing Track of Chinese Policy on Industrial Chemical Production
Oct 10, 2017
Industrial chemical analysts are sensing a sea change in Chinese Politburo policy. While the past two decades have been full of the ocean waves of industrial expansion crashing onto the shores of the global economy, there are signs that the tide is turning. For there are signs that the ‘Growth at All Costs’ policy is over. Instead the waves of a more ‘Eco-friendly’ approach to industrial policy are being heard.
Chemical Industry Forecasters Predict Doom and Gloom
Oct 1, 2017
“There is not a great future in chemicals,” declared a recent article in the respected British newspaper, the Financial Times. Adding that, "Chemical industry growth and innovation are in short supply.” How true is this report? And why is the author not alone to think like this?