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Chemicals

WILMINGTON, DE, July 26, 2021 (Press Release) -Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, recently launched an informative new blog to help customers and organizations in water-intensive industries. Located at www.solenis.com/en/newsblog, the blog features tips and educational articles for sustainable water treatment and process improvement.

From the use of artificial intelligence in papermaking, to the impact of legislation on sustainable food and beverage packaging, Solenis’ blog covers a range of today’s most pertinent topics for both consumer and industrial markets.

Content will be updated regularly and is authored by Solenis team members, including technical experts and members of the leadership team. Subjects will include sustainability and social responsibility, artificial intelligence in papermaking, changes in food and beverage paper packaging, graphic paper development, tissue and towel production, industrial water treatment, wastewater management and more.

Readers can easily filter articles by industry or browse by themes such as digital solutions, process enhancement, barrier coatings and sustainability.

“Solenis has long been a trusted partner with the resources to help solve the most complex sustainability challenges,” said Christoph Adami, vice president, Technology and Global Marketing for Solenis. “This new blog allows us to better share our expertise with plant managers, brand owners and others who work in consumer and water-intensive industries so they can manage their resources more efficiently — and more sustainably.”

The blog adds to Solenis’ expanding portfolio of resources for decision-makers. The company also recently launched a new website at www.solenis.com/explore, which offers greater transparency into its sustainability efforts plus easy access to product and solution information, like the Solenis safety data sheet (SDS) library.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, packaging paper and board, tissue and towel, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 41 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,000 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. Solenis is a 2021 US Best Managed Company.

Solenis launches new blog to help water-intensive companies reach operational and sustainability goals

Posted in: Chemicals 07/26/2021 - 12:11

WILMINGTON, DE, July 26, 2021 (Press Release) -Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, recently launched an informative new blog to help customers and organizations in water-intensive industries. Located at www.solenis.com/en/newsblog, the blog features tips and educational articles for sustainable water treatment and process improvement.

From the use of artificial intelligence in papermaking, to the impact of legislation on sustainable food and beverage packaging, Solenis’ blog covers a range of today’s most pertinent topics for both consumer and industrial markets.

Content will be updated regularly and is authored by Solenis team members, including technical experts and members of the leadership team. Subjects will include sustainability and social responsibility, artificial intelligence in papermaking, changes in food and beverage paper packaging, graphic paper development, tissue and towel production, industrial water treatment, wastewater management and more.

Readers can easily filter articles by industry or browse by themes such as digital solutions, process enhancement, barrier coatings and sustainability.

“Solenis has long been a trusted partner with the resources to help solve the most complex sustainability challenges,” said Christoph Adami, vice president, Technology and Global Marketing for Solenis. “This new blog allows us to better share our expertise with plant managers, brand owners and others who work in consumer and water-intensive industries so they can manage their resources more efficiently — and more sustainably.”

The blog adds to Solenis’ expanding portfolio of resources for decision-makers. The company also recently launched a new website at www.solenis.com/explore, which offers greater transparency into its sustainability efforts plus easy access to product and solution information, like the Solenis safety data sheet (SDS) library.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, packaging paper and board, tissue and towel, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 41 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,000 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. Solenis is a 2021 US Best Managed Company.

Read more

ESSEN, Germany, July 26, 2021 (Press Release) -Brenntag (ISIN DE000A1DAHH0), the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, made further important steps in strengthening its business in China with the closing of two acquisitions within its Specialties division. On July 23, the acquisition of the first tranche (67%) of food ingredients specialist Zhongbai Xingye has been closed. The closing of the second tranche and thus the full acquisition of Zhongbai Xingye is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. In addition, end of June, Brenntag has completed the acquisition of pigments and additives specialist Wellstar Group by acquiring the remaining 49% of shares of the joint venture.

Henri Nejade, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag SE and COO Brenntag Specialties, comments: “Strengthening our Brenntag Specialties division, particularly in China, as well as in the Asia Pacific region in general, is a central pillar of our company’s M&A strategy. I am particularly delighted that we stuck exactly to our timing in both cases and were able to successfully close the important acquisition steps in the dynamic and growing Asian markets as planned.”

The Chinese company Zhongbai Xingye is dedicated to the distribution of a wide range of specialty food ingredients, including dairy products and proteins. The acquisition of the leading player in mainland China is an important step for Brenntag to become a full-line distributor of food ingredients in the Asian market. Closing of the second tranche is expected at the end of 2024.

The Wellstar Group is headquartered in Hongkong and operates three subsidiaries in Mainland China located in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Since Brenntag acquired a majority stake of 51% with a first tranche in August 2017, the business was operated and successfully developed as a joint venture servicing a broad range of industries. With the closing of the second tranche, the Wellstar Group is 100% owned by Brenntag.

About Brenntag:

Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 17,000 employees worldwide and operates a network of more than 670 sites in 77 countries. In 2020, Brenntag generated sales of around 11.8 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a full-line portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. In the field of sustainability, Brenntag pursues specific goals and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares are listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and are included in the MDAX and DAX 50 ESG.

Brenntag strengthens its specialties business by acquiring 67% of Zhongbai Xingye and 49% of Wellstar Group in Asia Pacific

Posted in: Chemicals 07/26/2021 - 04:37

ESSEN, Germany, July 26, 2021 (Press Release) -Brenntag (ISIN DE000A1DAHH0), the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, made further important steps in strengthening its business in China with the closing of two acquisitions within its Specialties division. On July 23, the acquisition of the first tranche (67%) of food ingredients specialist Zhongbai Xingye has been closed. The closing of the second tranche and thus the full acquisition of Zhongbai Xingye is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. In addition, end of June, Brenntag has completed the acquisition of pigments and additives specialist Wellstar Group by acquiring the remaining 49% of shares of the joint venture.

Henri Nejade, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag SE and COO Brenntag Specialties, comments: “Strengthening our Brenntag Specialties division, particularly in China, as well as in the Asia Pacific region in general, is a central pillar of our company’s M&A strategy. I am particularly delighted that we stuck exactly to our timing in both cases and were able to successfully close the important acquisition steps in the dynamic and growing Asian markets as planned.”

The Chinese company Zhongbai Xingye is dedicated to the distribution of a wide range of specialty food ingredients, including dairy products and proteins. The acquisition of the leading player in mainland China is an important step for Brenntag to become a full-line distributor of food ingredients in the Asian market. Closing of the second tranche is expected at the end of 2024.

The Wellstar Group is headquartered in Hongkong and operates three subsidiaries in Mainland China located in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Since Brenntag acquired a majority stake of 51% with a first tranche in August 2017, the business was operated and successfully developed as a joint venture servicing a broad range of industries. With the closing of the second tranche, the Wellstar Group is 100% owned by Brenntag.

About Brenntag:

Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 17,000 employees worldwide and operates a network of more than 670 sites in 77 countries. In 2020, Brenntag generated sales of around 11.8 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a full-line portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. In the field of sustainability, Brenntag pursues specific goals and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares are listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and are included in the MDAX and DAX 50 ESG.

Read more

KOHTLA-JÄRVE, Estonia , July 20, 2021 (Press Release) -Viru Keemia Grupp (VKG) is initiating a local government special spatial plan intending to explore the possibilities of establishing a modern bioproducts production complex in Ida-Viru County to create added value for pulpwood generated in Estonia and produce bioproducts and renewable energy. The expected volume of investments is 800 million euros and production would start to operate in 2026 at the earliest.

According to VKG’s Chairman of Management Board, Ahti Asmann, Estonia needs a modern bioproducts production complex for adding value to pulpwood and Ida-Viru County has the prerequisites for establishing such a complex. “The establishment of a bioproducts complex would boost the diversity of the Estonian and Ida-Viru economy and the fulfilment of environmental goals while meeting the ever-increasing global demand for bioproducts,” Asmann said, adding that the establishment of the complex would constitute a leap in the value addition of wood in Estonia, partly also replacing the current export and burning of wood.

VKG wishes to plan the establishment of the modern bioproducts complex in close cooperation with the local community. “To ensure the mapping and inclusion of the interests of the community in the best way, we have decided to make a proposal to Lüganuse rural municipality to initiate a local government special spatial plan,” Ahti Asmann said. As possible locations, VKG envisions places in the immediate vicinity of its current production territory which is not close to any residential areas.

According to Lüganuse rural municipality governor Andrea Eiche, any plans that contribute to the development of Ida-Viru County are welcome, particularly in the light of the Green Revolution. The creation of 250 direct jobs in the region is extremely important in this context. The rural municipality will process the special spatial plan as prescribed by law. “The entire process must definitely take place in dialogue with the community,” Andres Eiche commented.

As raw materials, the production complex will produce dissolving pulp, pulp, tall oil and renewable energy, bio-fertilisers and growth promoters. As for end products, the complex will produce raw materials for various fabrics (viscose fabric) for the textile industry, as well as bioplastics and additives for the paint, solvent, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. The development of the bioproducts complex will also open a possibility to produce both biofuels and specialised chemistry product groups: plasticisers, binding agents, phenols, polyesters, hydrogels, antioxidants, etc. Depending on the product and raw material, the production volume would be 330,000 to 500,000 tonnes a year.

As a bonus, the establishment of the production complex would according to preliminary estimates increase the generation of renewable energy in Estonia by 730 GWh a year, of which half would be sold to the free market. Green heating energy would be used for supplying district heating to the cities of Kohtla-Järve and Jõhvi.

VKG estimates that the expected volume of investments is up to 800 million euros and the establishment of the complex would create 250 new well-paid jobs, with at least another 1,000 new indirect jobs in the overall production chain.

The future production would use the flexible KRAFT technology which is the best available technique (BAT) for the chemical processing of wood pulp.

The planned complex will comply with the strictest European Union environmental requirements concerning both air purity and water treatment and use. The complex plans to use water pumped from the Ojamaa Mine, 12.5 million m3 a year. The purified water, the quality of which meets the BAT levels, will be discharged to the Gulf of Finland via a planned water treatment plant and the existing collector.

VKG has conducted preliminary environmental studies for analysing the idea and the Nordic consultation firm AFRY has performed a preliminary feasibility study.

Viru Keemia Grupp to start exploring possibility of establishing bioproducts production complex in Ida-Viru County, Estonia

Posted in: Chemicals 07/21/2021 - 06:46

KOHTLA-JÄRVE, Estonia , July 20, 2021 (Press Release) -Viru Keemia Grupp (VKG) is initiating a local government special spatial plan intending to explore the possibilities of establishing a modern bioproducts production complex in Ida-Viru County to create added value for pulpwood generated in Estonia and produce bioproducts and renewable energy. The expected volume of investments is 800 million euros and production would start to operate in 2026 at the earliest.

According to VKG’s Chairman of Management Board, Ahti Asmann, Estonia needs a modern bioproducts production complex for adding value to pulpwood and Ida-Viru County has the prerequisites for establishing such a complex. “The establishment of a bioproducts complex would boost the diversity of the Estonian and Ida-Viru economy and the fulfilment of environmental goals while meeting the ever-increasing global demand for bioproducts,” Asmann said, adding that the establishment of the complex would constitute a leap in the value addition of wood in Estonia, partly also replacing the current export and burning of wood.

VKG wishes to plan the establishment of the modern bioproducts complex in close cooperation with the local community. “To ensure the mapping and inclusion of the interests of the community in the best way, we have decided to make a proposal to Lüganuse rural municipality to initiate a local government special spatial plan,” Ahti Asmann said. As possible locations, VKG envisions places in the immediate vicinity of its current production territory which is not close to any residential areas.

According to Lüganuse rural municipality governor Andrea Eiche, any plans that contribute to the development of Ida-Viru County are welcome, particularly in the light of the Green Revolution. The creation of 250 direct jobs in the region is extremely important in this context. The rural municipality will process the special spatial plan as prescribed by law. “The entire process must definitely take place in dialogue with the community,” Andres Eiche commented.

As raw materials, the production complex will produce dissolving pulp, pulp, tall oil and renewable energy, bio-fertilisers and growth promoters. As for end products, the complex will produce raw materials for various fabrics (viscose fabric) for the textile industry, as well as bioplastics and additives for the paint, solvent, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. The development of the bioproducts complex will also open a possibility to produce both biofuels and specialised chemistry product groups: plasticisers, binding agents, phenols, polyesters, hydrogels, antioxidants, etc. Depending on the product and raw material, the production volume would be 330,000 to 500,000 tonnes a year.

As a bonus, the establishment of the production complex would according to preliminary estimates increase the generation of renewable energy in Estonia by 730 GWh a year, of which half would be sold to the free market. Green heating energy would be used for supplying district heating to the cities of Kohtla-Järve and Jõhvi.

VKG estimates that the expected volume of investments is up to 800 million euros and the establishment of the complex would create 250 new well-paid jobs, with at least another 1,000 new indirect jobs in the overall production chain.

The future production would use the flexible KRAFT technology which is the best available technique (BAT) for the chemical processing of wood pulp.

The planned complex will comply with the strictest European Union environmental requirements concerning both air purity and water treatment and use. The complex plans to use water pumped from the Ojamaa Mine, 12.5 million m3 a year. The purified water, the quality of which meets the BAT levels, will be discharged to the Gulf of Finland via a planned water treatment plant and the existing collector.

VKG has conducted preliminary environmental studies for analysing the idea and the Nordic consultation firm AFRY has performed a preliminary feasibility study.

Read more

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 20, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, plans to increase production capacity of its Expancel expandable microspheres in China. The increase will result from the relocation of its production site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021, and will further strengthen the company’s leading global position in expandable microspheres.

"Nouryon has been the industry leader in expandable microspheres for more than 40 years. The increased capacity of Nouryon’s facility in Ningbo will allow us to meet the growing demand of the local market,” said Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, Vice President, Engineered Polymers at Nouryon. “We expect the production relocation to be seamless and to enable us to even better serve our customers in China with high-quality products and services.”

Expancel expandable microspheres are used as a lightweight filler and blowing agent to make customers’ end products lighter, incorporate high-performing insulation properties or better reflect light to reduce energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. For example, the use of cool roof coatings with high solar-reflecting properties reduces the need for air conditioning by decreasing a building’s external surface temperature by as much as 15° Celsius. Expancel supports Nouryon’s key end-markets in China, such as Building and Infrastructure, Packaging, and Paints and Coatings.

“Nouryon is seeing a marked increase in demand for expandable microspheres, which is being driven, in part, by global sustainability trends,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “Relocating Expancel production to our Ningbo facility will help us to meet this demand through the site’s operational excellence and addition of critical resources. That, in turn, will help us to accelerate our growth in China.”

The Ningbo facility is comprised of six plants that produce chelating agents, organic peroxides, and surfactants, and will complement Nouryon’s existing expandable microsphere production sites in the US, Sweden, and Brazil.

About Nouryon 

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Nouryon to increase production capacity of its Expancel expandable microspheres production and relocation of its site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China

Posted in: Chemicals 07/20/2021 - 09:28

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 20, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, plans to increase production capacity of its Expancel expandable microspheres in China. The increase will result from the relocation of its production site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021, and will further strengthen the company’s leading global position in expandable microspheres.

"Nouryon has been the industry leader in expandable microspheres for more than 40 years. The increased capacity of Nouryon’s facility in Ningbo will allow us to meet the growing demand of the local market,” said Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, Vice President, Engineered Polymers at Nouryon. “We expect the production relocation to be seamless and to enable us to even better serve our customers in China with high-quality products and services.”

Expancel expandable microspheres are used as a lightweight filler and blowing agent to make customers’ end products lighter, incorporate high-performing insulation properties or better reflect light to reduce energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. For example, the use of cool roof coatings with high solar-reflecting properties reduces the need for air conditioning by decreasing a building’s external surface temperature by as much as 15° Celsius. Expancel supports Nouryon’s key end-markets in China, such as Building and Infrastructure, Packaging, and Paints and Coatings.

“Nouryon is seeing a marked increase in demand for expandable microspheres, which is being driven, in part, by global sustainability trends,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “Relocating Expancel production to our Ningbo facility will help us to meet this demand through the site’s operational excellence and addition of critical resources. That, in turn, will help us to accelerate our growth in China.”

The Ningbo facility is comprised of six plants that produce chelating agents, organic peroxides, and surfactants, and will complement Nouryon’s existing expandable microsphere production sites in the US, Sweden, and Brazil.

About Nouryon 

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Read more

WILMINGTON, DE, July 19, 2021 (Press Release) -Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, is joining forces with Pulpex Limited and its global consortium partners to collaborate on the ongoing evolution of the Pulpex eco-friendly paper bottle.

Pulpex is a new world-leading sustainable packaging technology company established by venture management firm Pilot Lite and spirits producer Diageo. The company has developed the world’s first widely recyclable PET-free paper bottle made from sustainably sourced pulp.

As a technology partner, Solenis will provide chemical solutions to optimize the PET-free paper bottle, including surface treatments to enhance its functional and visual properties. The Pulpex technology allows for embossing, debossing, labeling and direct printing with food-safe colored pigments and dyes to fit brand needs.

Richard Brooks, global packaging director for Consumer Packaging at Solenis said, “This collaboration with Pulpex is another indicator of our commitment to new, sustainable and innovative technologies to the food and beverage paper packaging market. The partnership will enable Solenis to serve the growing eco-friendly paper bottle market while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Scott Winston, CEO, Pulpex, said, “Solenis is well known as a leader of process and functional chemistries with over a century of service to the pulp and paper industry. The company’s technical know-how and its wide spectrum of solutions will help us deliver eco-friendly paper bottles that meet the brand and functional needs of our consortium partners.”

Pulpex consortium partners are working to develop branded paper bottles across several categories, including alcohol and non-alcohol beverages; liquid foods; homecare, personal care and consumer healthcare products; and lubricants. Pulpex is also working towards adding the capability of holding hot-fill and carbonated beverages by the end of 2022.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, packaging paper and board, tissue and towel, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 41 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,000 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. Solenis is a 2021 US Best Managed Company.

About Pulpex

Pulpex Limited is a sustainable packaging technology company that offers the world’s first patented, customisable, single-mould paper bottle made from sustainable pulp that can be recycled curbside. Pulpex Ltd is a collaboration between Pilot Lite Group and Diageo PLC. Pilot Lite is a pioneer and international leader in venture management who directly invest in and convert corporate IP into free-standing, revenue-generating businesses. Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

Solenis collaborates with Pulpex consortium to develop eco-friendly PET-free paper bottle

Posted in: Chemicals 07/19/2021 - 08:57

WILMINGTON, DE, July 19, 2021 (Press Release) -Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, is joining forces with Pulpex Limited and its global consortium partners to collaborate on the ongoing evolution of the Pulpex eco-friendly paper bottle.

Pulpex is a new world-leading sustainable packaging technology company established by venture management firm Pilot Lite and spirits producer Diageo. The company has developed the world’s first widely recyclable PET-free paper bottle made from sustainably sourced pulp.

As a technology partner, Solenis will provide chemical solutions to optimize the PET-free paper bottle, including surface treatments to enhance its functional and visual properties. The Pulpex technology allows for embossing, debossing, labeling and direct printing with food-safe colored pigments and dyes to fit brand needs.

Richard Brooks, global packaging director for Consumer Packaging at Solenis said, “This collaboration with Pulpex is another indicator of our commitment to new, sustainable and innovative technologies to the food and beverage paper packaging market. The partnership will enable Solenis to serve the growing eco-friendly paper bottle market while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Scott Winston, CEO, Pulpex, said, “Solenis is well known as a leader of process and functional chemistries with over a century of service to the pulp and paper industry. The company’s technical know-how and its wide spectrum of solutions will help us deliver eco-friendly paper bottles that meet the brand and functional needs of our consortium partners.”

Pulpex consortium partners are working to develop branded paper bottles across several categories, including alcohol and non-alcohol beverages; liquid foods; homecare, personal care and consumer healthcare products; and lubricants. Pulpex is also working towards adding the capability of holding hot-fill and carbonated beverages by the end of 2022.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, packaging paper and board, tissue and towel, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 41 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,000 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. Solenis is a 2021 US Best Managed Company.

About Pulpex

Pulpex Limited is a sustainable packaging technology company that offers the world’s first patented, customisable, single-mould paper bottle made from sustainable pulp that can be recycled curbside. Pulpex Ltd is a collaboration between Pilot Lite Group and Diageo PLC. Pilot Lite is a pioneer and international leader in venture management who directly invest in and convert corporate IP into free-standing, revenue-generating businesses. Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

Read more

ESPOO, Finland, July 15, 2021 (Press Release) -Valmet will supply a semi-chemical pulp (SCP) line to Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd, Chongqing in China. The technology deliveries by Valmet will begin in 2022 and the start-up is planned for 2023.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2021.The value of the order will not be disclosed. However, a project of this size and scope is typically valued at around EUR 10-20 million.

“Our cooperation with Valmet has been good and we are convinced that the partnership and Valmet’s technology will support our development,” says Edmond Lee, CEO, Lee & Man.

“Lee & Man and Valmet have developed a good relationship as a result of the deliveries of many paper and tissue machines throughout the years. We are pleased that we have now also earned Lee & Man’s trust in delivering a new semi-chemical pulp line to their mill in Chongqing. The new semi-chemical pulp line will fulfill Lee & Man’s need for virgin fiber pulp for the production of packaging grades,” says Fan Ze, Vice President, Capital Sales, Valmet, China.”

Details about Valmet’s delivery

The delivery includes the latest technology for semi-chemical pulp production and will provide excellent resource efficiency for Lee & Man. The technology provides possibilities to optimize pulp properties with low wood and energy consumption. The deliveries include Valmet Continuous Cooking, screening, refining and washing technologies.

About the customer

Established in 1994, Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd has grown from a small company into a world leading paper and pulp manufacturer. The Group manufactures linerboards of various grades and corrugating medium of different specifications used for different industrial packaging purposes. The group currently has five paper mills and one pulp factory in China and an annual capacity of more than 7.385 million tons (of which, packing paper capacity is about 6.48 million tons, pulp capacity about 180,000 tons, and tissue paper capacity about 900,000 tons). In recent years, Lee & Man also established production bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, and other southeast Asian countries.

VALMET

Corporate Communications

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2020 were approximately EUR 3.7 billion. Our 14,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Valmet to supply new semi-chemical pulp line for Lee & Man Paper's facility in Chongqing, China

Posted in: Chemicals 07/15/2021 - 04:20

ESPOO, Finland, July 15, 2021 (Press Release) -Valmet will supply a semi-chemical pulp (SCP) line to Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd, Chongqing in China. The technology deliveries by Valmet will begin in 2022 and the start-up is planned for 2023.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2021.The value of the order will not be disclosed. However, a project of this size and scope is typically valued at around EUR 10-20 million.

“Our cooperation with Valmet has been good and we are convinced that the partnership and Valmet’s technology will support our development,” says Edmond Lee, CEO, Lee & Man.

“Lee & Man and Valmet have developed a good relationship as a result of the deliveries of many paper and tissue machines throughout the years. We are pleased that we have now also earned Lee & Man’s trust in delivering a new semi-chemical pulp line to their mill in Chongqing. The new semi-chemical pulp line will fulfill Lee & Man’s need for virgin fiber pulp for the production of packaging grades,” says Fan Ze, Vice President, Capital Sales, Valmet, China.”

Details about Valmet’s delivery

The delivery includes the latest technology for semi-chemical pulp production and will provide excellent resource efficiency for Lee & Man. The technology provides possibilities to optimize pulp properties with low wood and energy consumption. The deliveries include Valmet Continuous Cooking, screening, refining and washing technologies.

About the customer

Established in 1994, Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd has grown from a small company into a world leading paper and pulp manufacturer. The Group manufactures linerboards of various grades and corrugating medium of different specifications used for different industrial packaging purposes. The group currently has five paper mills and one pulp factory in China and an annual capacity of more than 7.385 million tons (of which, packing paper capacity is about 6.48 million tons, pulp capacity about 180,000 tons, and tissue paper capacity about 900,000 tons). In recent years, Lee & Man also established production bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, and other southeast Asian countries.

VALMET

Corporate Communications

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2020 were approximately EUR 3.7 billion. Our 14,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

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AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 13, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, has opened a new, eco-friendly office and innovation center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to better serve its local customers and support its growth plans for the Middle East and Africa.               

The office space is located within the LEED-certified Laboratory Complex at Dubai Science Park. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and supports Nouryon’s commitment to sustainability. The office accommodates Nouryon’s regional commercial teams, as well as an innovation center designed for the testing and development of locally focused products.

“These new facilities bring Nouryon closer to our key markets in the Middle East and Africa, enabling us to tailor our essential solutions to fit the specific needs of our local customers and provide them with the support they need,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon.

Nouryon undertakes research and development activities through 10 innovation centers strategically located around the globe, each focused on developing local or regional customer solutions. The Dubai innovation center will enable Nouryon to expand its technical capabilities and includes facilities for the company to engage its local customers in interactive sessions that offer a transparent, hands-on experience.

“Nouryon's attention to societal trends and dedication to our customers have earned us a place among the leading companies in our industry in terms of safety, sustainability and innovation,” said Charlie Shaver, Chairman and CEO of Nouryon. “The Middle East has a rich history of innovation and will continue to be an important growth engine for Nouryon as we expand in the region, fuel our culture of innovation and strengthen our leading positions in specialty chemicals.”

Added Sethi: “Nouryon is looking forward to further expanding our business, assets and human resources in Dubai in support of our strategy in this important and growing region.”

Nouryon’s product portfolio in the Middle East and Africa covers its key end-markets, including cleaning, personal care, building and infrastructure, packaging materials and oil, gas and mining. About Nouryon

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Nouryon opens new eco-friendly office and innovation center to support its growth plans in Dubai, UAE

Posted in: Chemicals 07/13/2021 - 04:34

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 13, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, has opened a new, eco-friendly office and innovation center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to better serve its local customers and support its growth plans for the Middle East and Africa.               

The office space is located within the LEED-certified Laboratory Complex at Dubai Science Park. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and supports Nouryon’s commitment to sustainability. The office accommodates Nouryon’s regional commercial teams, as well as an innovation center designed for the testing and development of locally focused products.

“These new facilities bring Nouryon closer to our key markets in the Middle East and Africa, enabling us to tailor our essential solutions to fit the specific needs of our local customers and provide them with the support they need,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon.

Nouryon undertakes research and development activities through 10 innovation centers strategically located around the globe, each focused on developing local or regional customer solutions. The Dubai innovation center will enable Nouryon to expand its technical capabilities and includes facilities for the company to engage its local customers in interactive sessions that offer a transparent, hands-on experience.

“Nouryon's attention to societal trends and dedication to our customers have earned us a place among the leading companies in our industry in terms of safety, sustainability and innovation,” said Charlie Shaver, Chairman and CEO of Nouryon. “The Middle East has a rich history of innovation and will continue to be an important growth engine for Nouryon as we expand in the region, fuel our culture of innovation and strengthen our leading positions in specialty chemicals.”

Added Sethi: “Nouryon is looking forward to further expanding our business, assets and human resources in Dubai in support of our strategy in this important and growing region.”

Nouryon’s product portfolio in the Middle East and Africa covers its key end-markets, including cleaning, personal care, building and infrastructure, packaging materials and oil, gas and mining. About Nouryon

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

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CHARLOTTE, NC, July 12, 2021 (PRNewswire) -In a motion for a consent order filed today in the United States District Court in Rock Hill, New-Indy Catawba LLC agreed to continue measures specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address concerns about odor in the vicinity of our mill.

The filing is a procedural step to extend the EPA's May 13, 2021 order regarding hydrogen sulfide emissions until October 31, 2021.

Today's filing demonstrates New-Indy Catawba's intention to accomplish its objective of cooperatively resolving any environmental concerns relating to its operations and its continuing commitment to work together with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), EPA and the community to address the issue expeditiously. Reflecting this commitment, since March, we have:

  • Improved the mill's waste-water treatment systems, including activating aerators, restarting the steam stripper, and installing a carbon filter – all aimed at reducing hydrogen sulfide emissions;
  • Installed monitors both on our property and in surrounding neighborhoods that continuously test air quality levels and collect meteorological information;
  • Created a web site where daily air quality reports derived from our data collection efforts, notices about operational changes and other information are posted for public view; and
  • Convened a Community Engagement Group made up of residents from areas around the mill, mill staff and technical experts to establish an open dialog about mill operations.

With these steps, we are able to operate within the expectations of DHEC, EPA and the community, and have enabled the community to observe our data each day.  Data shows that air emissions of hydrogen sulfide have been well below specified levels. Planned additional measures will improve consistency in operations and response to variations in weather and other factors. 

We will continue to cooperate with local, state, and federal authorities to address public concerns swiftly. Our organization is committed to the safety of its neighbors, its 420 employees and the hundreds of others in the surrounding area who provide goods and services to the mill; protecting the environment; promoting economic vitality; and providing charitable contributions to support local causes. New-Indy Catawba mill executives and employees live and work here, and we remain eager and determined to do right by our community.

New-Indy Catawba agrees to continue measures specified by EPA to address concerns about odor at its mill

Posted in: Chemicals 07/13/2021 - 02:47

CHARLOTTE, NC, July 12, 2021 (PRNewswire) -In a motion for a consent order filed today in the United States District Court in Rock Hill, New-Indy Catawba LLC agreed to continue measures specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address concerns about odor in the vicinity of our mill.

The filing is a procedural step to extend the EPA's May 13, 2021 order regarding hydrogen sulfide emissions until October 31, 2021.

Today's filing demonstrates New-Indy Catawba's intention to accomplish its objective of cooperatively resolving any environmental concerns relating to its operations and its continuing commitment to work together with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), EPA and the community to address the issue expeditiously. Reflecting this commitment, since March, we have:

  • Improved the mill's waste-water treatment systems, including activating aerators, restarting the steam stripper, and installing a carbon filter – all aimed at reducing hydrogen sulfide emissions;
  • Installed monitors both on our property and in surrounding neighborhoods that continuously test air quality levels and collect meteorological information;
  • Created a web site where daily air quality reports derived from our data collection efforts, notices about operational changes and other information are posted for public view; and
  • Convened a Community Engagement Group made up of residents from areas around the mill, mill staff and technical experts to establish an open dialog about mill operations.

With these steps, we are able to operate within the expectations of DHEC, EPA and the community, and have enabled the community to observe our data each day.  Data shows that air emissions of hydrogen sulfide have been well below specified levels. Planned additional measures will improve consistency in operations and response to variations in weather and other factors. 

We will continue to cooperate with local, state, and federal authorities to address public concerns swiftly. Our organization is committed to the safety of its neighbors, its 420 employees and the hundreds of others in the surrounding area who provide goods and services to the mill; protecting the environment; promoting economic vitality; and providing charitable contributions to support local causes. New-Indy Catawba mill executives and employees live and work here, and we remain eager and determined to do right by our community.

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