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Chemicals

BRUSSELS, Jan. 19, 2021 (Press Release) -Intergraf welcomes the adoption by the European Commission on 18 December 2020 of the authorisation for the continuous use of chromium trioxide. To support gravure printing companies’ adaption to the new procedures, we have published a Guide to the Authorisation of Chromium Trioxide Use for Gravure Printers.

The European Commission’s Decision on the use of chromium trioxide (CrO3) is key for gravure printing companies because CrO3 is used to produce hard chromium layers for printing cylinders. Since 2017, the use of CrO3 has been subject to authorisation under the European chemical legislation REACH.

“We welcome the final adoption of this long-awaited Decision on chromium trioxide, for which our sector could demonstrate the controlled and safe use in our manufacturing processes. This Decision is important for the continuous production of high-volume publications, flexible packaging printing (including paper, film, and aluminium), as well as decorative paper for laminate flooring and furniture. A failure to grant authorisation would have disturbed key value chains and threatened the manufacturing of several of these products in Europe.” Beatrice Klose, Secretary General of Intergraf

Gravure printers will need to follow certain procedures to be compliant with the authorisation Decision. These include notifying the use of CrO3 to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and complying with the conditions of use as detailed by their suppliers. To help gravure printers, we have produced a Guide to the Authorisation of Chromium Trioxide Use for Gravure Printers.

Access to this guide is restricted to printing companies belonging to one of Intergraf’s national member federations. The guide can be requested directly from our members.

The European printing industry is made up of some 110,000 printing companies (95% SMEs), which employ 600,000 people and generate a combined turnover of €79 billion.

Intergraf is the European printing industry association, representing employers in this sector. We are a Brussels-based umbrella organisation with 21 members from 20 countries. Our primary task is to represent and advocate for the printing industry in Europe, working with European Union to support the sector’s competitiveness through advocacy, information-sharing, networking, social dialogue and European projects.

Intergraf welcomes European Commission's authorization for continuous use of chromium trioxide by gravure printers

Posted in: Chemicals 01/19/2021 - 09:50

BRUSSELS, Jan. 19, 2021 (Press Release) -Intergraf welcomes the adoption by the European Commission on 18 December 2020 of the authorisation for the continuous use of chromium trioxide. To support gravure printing companies’ adaption to the new procedures, we have published a Guide to the Authorisation of Chromium Trioxide Use for Gravure Printers.

The European Commission’s Decision on the use of chromium trioxide (CrO3) is key for gravure printing companies because CrO3 is used to produce hard chromium layers for printing cylinders. Since 2017, the use of CrO3 has been subject to authorisation under the European chemical legislation REACH.

“We welcome the final adoption of this long-awaited Decision on chromium trioxide, for which our sector could demonstrate the controlled and safe use in our manufacturing processes. This Decision is important for the continuous production of high-volume publications, flexible packaging printing (including paper, film, and aluminium), as well as decorative paper for laminate flooring and furniture. A failure to grant authorisation would have disturbed key value chains and threatened the manufacturing of several of these products in Europe.” Beatrice Klose, Secretary General of Intergraf

Gravure printers will need to follow certain procedures to be compliant with the authorisation Decision. These include notifying the use of CrO3 to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and complying with the conditions of use as detailed by their suppliers. To help gravure printers, we have produced a Guide to the Authorisation of Chromium Trioxide Use for Gravure Printers.

Access to this guide is restricted to printing companies belonging to one of Intergraf’s national member federations. The guide can be requested directly from our members.

The European printing industry is made up of some 110,000 printing companies (95% SMEs), which employ 600,000 people and generate a combined turnover of €79 billion.

Intergraf is the European printing industry association, representing employers in this sector. We are a Brussels-based umbrella organisation with 21 members from 20 countries. Our primary task is to represent and advocate for the printing industry in Europe, working with European Union to support the sector’s competitiveness through advocacy, information-sharing, networking, social dialogue and European projects.

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NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2021 (Globe Newswire) -Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI), a subsidiary of Minerals Technologies Inc, has communicated to customers that it has increased prices across its mineral product portfolio, effective January 1, 2021. Price increases range from 3 to 10%, subject to individual customer contracts and terms. The price increases help to offset rising costs and will support SMI’s continued investments in mining, processing operations, and new product technology.

All ground calcium carbonate (GCC) products from Adams, MA and Lucerne Valley, CA, and all ground dolomitic limestone products from Canaan, CT will increase by 3-5% depending on the product line.

All precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) products from Adams, MA will increase by 3%.

Quicklime produced at Adams, MA will increase by 3%.

Talc products produced at Barretts, MT and Bay City, TX will increase by 5-10% depending on the product line.

We remain committed to supplying our customers with world-class products at best-in-class value and service.

About Minerals Technologies Inc.

New York-based Minerals Technologies (MTI) is a global resource- and technology-based company that develops, produces and markets a broad range of specialty mineral, mineral-based and synthetic mineral products and related systems and services. MTI serves the paper, foundry, steel, construction, environmental, energy, polymer and consumer products industries. The Company reported sales of $1.8 billion in 2019.

Specialty Minerals announces price increase across its mineral product portfolio

Posted in: Chemicals 01/18/2021 - 07:18

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2021 (Globe Newswire) -Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI), a subsidiary of Minerals Technologies Inc, has communicated to customers that it has increased prices across its mineral product portfolio, effective January 1, 2021. Price increases range from 3 to 10%, subject to individual customer contracts and terms. The price increases help to offset rising costs and will support SMI’s continued investments in mining, processing operations, and new product technology.

All ground calcium carbonate (GCC) products from Adams, MA and Lucerne Valley, CA, and all ground dolomitic limestone products from Canaan, CT will increase by 3-5% depending on the product line.

All precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) products from Adams, MA will increase by 3%.

Quicklime produced at Adams, MA will increase by 3%.

Talc products produced at Barretts, MT and Bay City, TX will increase by 5-10% depending on the product line.

We remain committed to supplying our customers with world-class products at best-in-class value and service.

About Minerals Technologies Inc.

New York-based Minerals Technologies (MTI) is a global resource- and technology-based company that develops, produces and markets a broad range of specialty mineral, mineral-based and synthetic mineral products and related systems and services. MTI serves the paper, foundry, steel, construction, environmental, energy, polymer and consumer products industries. The Company reported sales of $1.8 billion in 2019.

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HELSINKI, Jan. 15, 2021 (Press Release) -The Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting of Kemira Oyj that seven members be elected to the Board of Directors and that the present members Wolfgang Büchele, Shirley Cunningham, Werner Fuhrmann, Timo Lappalainen and Jari Paasikivi be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. Nomination Board proposes that Matti Kähkönen and Kristian Pullola be elected as new members of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Nomination Board proposes that Jari Paasikivi be re-elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Matti Kähkönen be elected as the Vice Chairman.

All the nominees have given their consent to the position and are independent of the company’s significant shareholders except for Jari Paasikivi. Jari Paasikivi is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oras Invest Oy and Oras Invest Oy owns over 10% of Kemira Oyj’s shares.

Of the current members of the Board of Directors Kerttu Tuomas, who has served on the company’s Board of Directors since 2010 and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2014, and Kaisa Hietala, who has served on the Board of Directors since 2016, have informed that they will no longer be available for re-election to the next term of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Matti Kähkönen, M.Sc. (Engineering), b. 1956, has served as President and CEO of Metso Corporation in 2011-2017 and Senior Advisor in 2017-2019. In 1999-2011, Matti Kähkönen held several executive positions in the Metso Group. Prior to year 1999, he held several managerial and business development positions at Neles-Jamesbury and Rauma-Repola. Matti Kähkönen chairs the Board of Directors of Neste Corporation and Neste’s Personnel and Remuneration Committee. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Finnish Fair Corporation and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company. Matti Kähkönen is a Finnish citizen.

Kristian Pullola, M.Sc. (Econ) b. 1973, has served in multiple executive and managerial positions in finance and treasury at Nokia Corporation, most recently as Executive Vice President and CFO and as Member of the Group Leadership Team in 2017-2020. Kristian Pullola is a Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company and a Member of the Board of Directors at Antilooppi, a real estate investment company. He is a candidate to Terveystalo Oyj’s Board of Directors at the spring 2021 Annual General Meeting. Kristian Pullola is a Finnish citizen.

The Nomination Board notes that the proposed changes in the composition of the Board of Directors, if implemented, will lead to a situation where the composition of the company’s Board of Directors does not comply with the diversity principles adopted by the company with regard to the gender criterion.

The purpose of the Nomination Board is to keep this situation short-lived and to rectify it as soon as possible.

The Nomination Board proposes that the remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors will remain unchanged. The remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors would thus be as follows. The annual fees:  for the Chairman EUR 92,000 per year, for the Vice Chairman and the Chairman of the Audit Committee EUR 55,000 per year and for the other members EUR 44,000 per year. A fee payable for each meeting of the Board of Directors and the Board Committees would thus be as follows: for the members residing in Finland EUR 600, for the members residing in rest of Europe EUR 1,200 and for the members residing outside Europe EUR 2,400.

Travel expenses are proposed to be paid according to Kemira’s travel policy.

In addition, the Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the annual fee be paid as a combination of the company’s shares and cash in such a manner that 40% of the annual fee is paid with the company’s shares owned by the company or, if this is not possible, shares purchased from the market, and 60% is paid in cash. The shares will be transferred to the members of the Board of Directors and, if necessary, acquired directly on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors within two weeks from the release of Kemira’s interim report January 1 – March 31, 2021. The meeting fees are proposed to be paid in cash.

The Nomination Board has consisted of the following representatives: Annika Paasikivi, President and CEO of Oras Invest Oy as the Chairman of the Nomination Board; Pauli Anttila, Investment Director, Solidium Oy; Reima Rytsölä, Deputy CEO, Investments, Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company and Annika Ekman, Head of Direct Equity Investments, Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company as members of the Nomination Board and Jari Paasikivi, Chairman of Kemira’s Board of Directors as an expert member.

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water intensive industries. We provide best suited products and expertise to improve our customers’ product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas and water treatment. In 2019, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.7 billion and over 5,000 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

Kemira's nomination board proposes seven members for BOD election at AGM 2021

Posted in: Chemicals 01/15/2021 - 09:13

HELSINKI, Jan. 15, 2021 (Press Release) -The Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting of Kemira Oyj that seven members be elected to the Board of Directors and that the present members Wolfgang Büchele, Shirley Cunningham, Werner Fuhrmann, Timo Lappalainen and Jari Paasikivi be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. Nomination Board proposes that Matti Kähkönen and Kristian Pullola be elected as new members of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Nomination Board proposes that Jari Paasikivi be re-elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Matti Kähkönen be elected as the Vice Chairman.

All the nominees have given their consent to the position and are independent of the company’s significant shareholders except for Jari Paasikivi. Jari Paasikivi is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oras Invest Oy and Oras Invest Oy owns over 10% of Kemira Oyj’s shares.

Of the current members of the Board of Directors Kerttu Tuomas, who has served on the company’s Board of Directors since 2010 and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2014, and Kaisa Hietala, who has served on the Board of Directors since 2016, have informed that they will no longer be available for re-election to the next term of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Matti Kähkönen, M.Sc. (Engineering), b. 1956, has served as President and CEO of Metso Corporation in 2011-2017 and Senior Advisor in 2017-2019. In 1999-2011, Matti Kähkönen held several executive positions in the Metso Group. Prior to year 1999, he held several managerial and business development positions at Neles-Jamesbury and Rauma-Repola. Matti Kähkönen chairs the Board of Directors of Neste Corporation and Neste’s Personnel and Remuneration Committee. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Finnish Fair Corporation and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company. Matti Kähkönen is a Finnish citizen.

Kristian Pullola, M.Sc. (Econ) b. 1973, has served in multiple executive and managerial positions in finance and treasury at Nokia Corporation, most recently as Executive Vice President and CFO and as Member of the Group Leadership Team in 2017-2020. Kristian Pullola is a Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company and a Member of the Board of Directors at Antilooppi, a real estate investment company. He is a candidate to Terveystalo Oyj’s Board of Directors at the spring 2021 Annual General Meeting. Kristian Pullola is a Finnish citizen.

The Nomination Board notes that the proposed changes in the composition of the Board of Directors, if implemented, will lead to a situation where the composition of the company’s Board of Directors does not comply with the diversity principles adopted by the company with regard to the gender criterion.

The purpose of the Nomination Board is to keep this situation short-lived and to rectify it as soon as possible.

The Nomination Board proposes that the remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors will remain unchanged. The remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors would thus be as follows. The annual fees:  for the Chairman EUR 92,000 per year, for the Vice Chairman and the Chairman of the Audit Committee EUR 55,000 per year and for the other members EUR 44,000 per year. A fee payable for each meeting of the Board of Directors and the Board Committees would thus be as follows: for the members residing in Finland EUR 600, for the members residing in rest of Europe EUR 1,200 and for the members residing outside Europe EUR 2,400.

Travel expenses are proposed to be paid according to Kemira’s travel policy.

In addition, the Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the annual fee be paid as a combination of the company’s shares and cash in such a manner that 40% of the annual fee is paid with the company’s shares owned by the company or, if this is not possible, shares purchased from the market, and 60% is paid in cash. The shares will be transferred to the members of the Board of Directors and, if necessary, acquired directly on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors within two weeks from the release of Kemira’s interim report January 1 – March 31, 2021. The meeting fees are proposed to be paid in cash.

The Nomination Board has consisted of the following representatives: Annika Paasikivi, President and CEO of Oras Invest Oy as the Chairman of the Nomination Board; Pauli Anttila, Investment Director, Solidium Oy; Reima Rytsölä, Deputy CEO, Investments, Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company and Annika Ekman, Head of Direct Equity Investments, Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company as members of the Nomination Board and Jari Paasikivi, Chairman of Kemira’s Board of Directors as an expert member.

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water intensive industries. We provide best suited products and expertise to improve our customers’ product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas and water treatment. In 2019, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.7 billion and over 5,000 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

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HELSINKI, Jan. 12, 2021 (Press Release) -The PulPaper event will be rescheduled to the spring of 2022. The decision is due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic situation and travel restrictions. This spring, however, a new online Virtual pre-PulPaper event is organized on Thursday 29 April 2021.

PulPaper is the leading event within the forest industry. Exhibitors from 28 different countries and visitors from 50 countries participated last time. The success of the international event requires the opportunity for participants to travel freely. Although news of Covid-19 vaccinations is promising, the pandemic continues to have major impact on the ability of companies and visitors to prepare for the upcoming event.

For this reason, Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre has in cooperation with the event organising partners decided to reschedule the event by a year forward. PulPaper will open next time at Messukeskus in Helsinki 29-30 March 2022. The professional event in the chemical and bio sector ChemBio Finland and the chemical safety expert forum Helsinki Chemicals Forum will also take place at the same time.

A new virtual event in April foresees and offers the best bits in advance

Although the physical event will be rescheduled until next year, Messukeskus and its partners will already this spring offer a virtual meeting place for companies and professionals in the field. Virtual pre-PulPaper – towards 2022 will be organized online Thursday 29 April 2021. The virtual pre-event is free of charge for visitors and scheduling takes into account participants following the programme globally in different time zones.

-The online event enables companies to meet with potential clients and visitors can follow interesting programmes. We present next year’s fair themes by offering chosen treats from the programme beforehand, says Marcus Bergström, Sales Group Manager at Messukeskus, responsible for the event.

-Virtual pre-PulPaper forms an interesting link to next year and opens up new opportunities for companies and especially international participants. We will gather valuable experience this spring, as virtuality and even wider internationality will become an increasingly strong part of the PulPaper event in the future, says Antti Lindqvist, Managing Director of Forest Products Engineers.

Visitors can register for April Virtual pre-PulPaper event free of charge from 18 January at www.pulpaper.fi

The PulPaper event will be organised next time at Messukeskus 29-31 March 2022 simultaneously with ChemBio Finland and the chemical safety expert forum Helsinki Chemicals Forum. Virtual pre-PulPaper - towards 2022 is organized as an online event on Thursday 29 April 2021. Messukeskus’ partner in organizing Pulpaper is Forest Products Engineers.

PulPaper to reschedule to 2022 due to uncertainty caused by Covid-19, new online virtual pre-PulPaper event to be held on April 29, 2021

Posted in: Chemicals 01/12/2021 - 08:15

HELSINKI, Jan. 12, 2021 (Press Release) -The PulPaper event will be rescheduled to the spring of 2022. The decision is due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic situation and travel restrictions. This spring, however, a new online Virtual pre-PulPaper event is organized on Thursday 29 April 2021.

PulPaper is the leading event within the forest industry. Exhibitors from 28 different countries and visitors from 50 countries participated last time. The success of the international event requires the opportunity for participants to travel freely. Although news of Covid-19 vaccinations is promising, the pandemic continues to have major impact on the ability of companies and visitors to prepare for the upcoming event.

For this reason, Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre has in cooperation with the event organising partners decided to reschedule the event by a year forward. PulPaper will open next time at Messukeskus in Helsinki 29-30 March 2022. The professional event in the chemical and bio sector ChemBio Finland and the chemical safety expert forum Helsinki Chemicals Forum will also take place at the same time.

A new virtual event in April foresees and offers the best bits in advance

Although the physical event will be rescheduled until next year, Messukeskus and its partners will already this spring offer a virtual meeting place for companies and professionals in the field. Virtual pre-PulPaper – towards 2022 will be organized online Thursday 29 April 2021. The virtual pre-event is free of charge for visitors and scheduling takes into account participants following the programme globally in different time zones.

-The online event enables companies to meet with potential clients and visitors can follow interesting programmes. We present next year’s fair themes by offering chosen treats from the programme beforehand, says Marcus Bergström, Sales Group Manager at Messukeskus, responsible for the event.

-Virtual pre-PulPaper forms an interesting link to next year and opens up new opportunities for companies and especially international participants. We will gather valuable experience this spring, as virtuality and even wider internationality will become an increasingly strong part of the PulPaper event in the future, says Antti Lindqvist, Managing Director of Forest Products Engineers.

Visitors can register for April Virtual pre-PulPaper event free of charge from 18 January at www.pulpaper.fi

The PulPaper event will be organised next time at Messukeskus 29-31 March 2022 simultaneously with ChemBio Finland and the chemical safety expert forum Helsinki Chemicals Forum. Virtual pre-PulPaper - towards 2022 is organized as an online event on Thursday 29 April 2021. Messukeskus’ partner in organizing Pulpaper is Forest Products Engineers.

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AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Jan. 12, 2021 (Press Release) -In support of its global growth and branding strategies, Nouryon has chosen to rename its wholly-owned Industrial Chemicals business to Nobian. This branding change will allow Nobian to develop its integrated European value chain for essential base chemicals under its own name and brand while Nouryon will continue to focus on growing its leading position in global specialty chemicals.

“In the past two years, we have established a new organizational structure that allows our Businesses, Operations and Functions to focus on what they do best. We also launched a new strategy that aims to exceed our customers’ expectations, outgrow the competition and increase the share of specialties in our portfolio,” said Charlie Shaver, Nouryon’s Chairman and CEO. “This next step in our journey will allow Nouryon and our wholly-owned subsidiary Nobian to pursue even more focused growth strategies under separate brands.”

Nobian is a European leader in the production of salt, chlor-alkali and chloromethanes, which are essential for the manufacture of disinfectants, lightweight durable plastics, aluminum, pharmaceuticals and other products. The business is headquartered in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, and employs around 1,800 people with manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

“The safe and reliable production of our essential base chemicals for the European industry has only increased in importance over the past year,” said Knut Schwalenberg, President of Nobian. “We will continue to be owned by Nouryon as we grow our business under the new name Nobian, starting with the ongoing expansion of chloromethane production in Frankfurt, Germany, to better serve customers in the pharmaceutical and construction industries.”

The Nobian brand will be introduced through a phased approach in the coming months, beginning with a new website.

About Nouryon

We are a global specialty chemicals leader. Markets worldwide rely on our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products, such as paper, plastics, building materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. Building on our nearly 400-year history, the dedication of our 10,000 employees, and our shared commitment to business growth, strong financial performance, safety, sustainability, and innovation, we have established a world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox and Berol. Visit our website and follow us @Nouryon and on LinkedIn.

About Nobian

Nobian is a European leader in the production of essential base chemicals for industries ranging from construction and cleaning to pharmaceuticals and water treatment. We excel in the safe and reliable supply of high-purity salt, chlor-alkali and chloromethanes,

thanks to our integrated value chain with modern production sites in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Going back to the first

salt production in 1918, our 1,800 employees continue to innovate every day to become safer, more efficient and sustainable and ensure the essential products of today will still enrich our lives tomorrow. Nobian is wholly owned by Nouryon.

Nouryon renames its wholly-owned Industrial Chemicals business to Nobian in support of its global growth and branding strategies

Posted in: Chemicals 01/12/2021 - 04:09

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Jan. 12, 2021 (Press Release) -In support of its global growth and branding strategies, Nouryon has chosen to rename its wholly-owned Industrial Chemicals business to Nobian. This branding change will allow Nobian to develop its integrated European value chain for essential base chemicals under its own name and brand while Nouryon will continue to focus on growing its leading position in global specialty chemicals.

“In the past two years, we have established a new organizational structure that allows our Businesses, Operations and Functions to focus on what they do best. We also launched a new strategy that aims to exceed our customers’ expectations, outgrow the competition and increase the share of specialties in our portfolio,” said Charlie Shaver, Nouryon’s Chairman and CEO. “This next step in our journey will allow Nouryon and our wholly-owned subsidiary Nobian to pursue even more focused growth strategies under separate brands.”

Nobian is a European leader in the production of salt, chlor-alkali and chloromethanes, which are essential for the manufacture of disinfectants, lightweight durable plastics, aluminum, pharmaceuticals and other products. The business is headquartered in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, and employs around 1,800 people with manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

“The safe and reliable production of our essential base chemicals for the European industry has only increased in importance over the past year,” said Knut Schwalenberg, President of Nobian. “We will continue to be owned by Nouryon as we grow our business under the new name Nobian, starting with the ongoing expansion of chloromethane production in Frankfurt, Germany, to better serve customers in the pharmaceutical and construction industries.”

The Nobian brand will be introduced through a phased approach in the coming months, beginning with a new website.

About Nouryon

We are a global specialty chemicals leader. Markets worldwide rely on our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products, such as paper, plastics, building materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. Building on our nearly 400-year history, the dedication of our 10,000 employees, and our shared commitment to business growth, strong financial performance, safety, sustainability, and innovation, we have established a world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox and Berol. Visit our website and follow us @Nouryon and on LinkedIn.

About Nobian

Nobian is a European leader in the production of essential base chemicals for industries ranging from construction and cleaning to pharmaceuticals and water treatment. We excel in the safe and reliable supply of high-purity salt, chlor-alkali and chloromethanes,

thanks to our integrated value chain with modern production sites in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Going back to the first

salt production in 1918, our 1,800 employees continue to innovate every day to become safer, more efficient and sustainable and ensure the essential products of today will still enrich our lives tomorrow. Nobian is wholly owned by Nouryon.

Read more

LONDON, Jan. 12, 2021 (Press Release) -Ricoh is opening market access to American ink pioneer Farbenpunkt’s innovative new textile ink, PeractoJet. The collaboration enables OEM clients to compete in the highly attractive digital textile market and enhance their environmental offering. Reducing the environmental impact of global textile production caused by using dye-based, such as reactive inks in digital and analogue processes, is the driver for this collaboration.

Traditional fabric dyeing and treatment accounts for 20% of worldwide wastewater. Meanwhile, the fashion industry generates 10% of annual global carbon emissions. Ricoh now provides a robust, environmentally responsible alternative approach for digital textile printers by pairing its broad printhead portfolio with Farbenpunkt’s unique Peracto Technology.

The optimised combination is ideal for apparel and home furnishing applications. It delivers more than 90% savings in fresh and wastewater use, as well as 50% savings in energy use. This delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions. Also, no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted.

The combination allows a simplified digital textile print production process which:

  • Eliminates the need for high water and energy consuming stages of pre-treatment and post-treatment, saving up to €0.9 per sqm. These savings can equal twice the cost of the ink.
  • Uses hot air fixation at a relatively low temperature of 140°C – 160°C.
  • Delivers a quick fixation time of two to four minutes.
  • Ensures consistent and reliable results on synthetic, natural, and mixed fibres.
  • Meets or exceeds all industry specifications for strict colour fastness tests for washing, wet and dry rubbing, lightfastness, and ageing

The ink is also compliant with REACH, the European Union regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. It also has an OEKO-TEX Eco-Passport, an independent certification for chemicals, colourants and accessories used in textile production. Graham Kennedy, Director, Industrial Print, Ricoh Europe, says: “This collaboration builds on Ricoh’s longstanding history of innovative inkjet head development and allows us to support a production sector looking for ways to address growing questions around sustainability. Digitally producing textiles with vastly reduced water waste and eliminating energy intensive pre and post treatment stages delivers huge environmental benefits. This disruptive ink offering therefore enables more cost effective production and allows manufacturers to consider establishing local production capabilities through reshoring. This is especially important now when we are seeing a growth in on demand digital production spurred on by the impact of the pandemic on consumer habits and business operations. Our Farbenpunkt partnership is good news for manufacturers and their shareholders, textile printers and consumers.”

Farbenpunkt Managing Director, Etienne Steveninck, adds: “Working with Ricoh allows us to bring this high performing, versatile ink to a wider audience. It will enable textile manufacturers to produce large volumes, quickly, on a range of materials, meet strict accreditation standards, and contribute to the sustainability of our planet. The two companies are a natural fit as the wellbeing of our environment is part of Ricoh’s DNA too.”

Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, communications services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2020, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,008 billion yen (approx. 18.5 billion USD).

Ricoh collaborates with Farbenpunk to introduce new PeractoJet waterless and chemical-free solution for textile ink

Posted in: Chemicals 01/12/2021 - 04:01

LONDON, Jan. 12, 2021 (Press Release) -Ricoh is opening market access to American ink pioneer Farbenpunkt’s innovative new textile ink, PeractoJet. The collaboration enables OEM clients to compete in the highly attractive digital textile market and enhance their environmental offering. Reducing the environmental impact of global textile production caused by using dye-based, such as reactive inks in digital and analogue processes, is the driver for this collaboration.

Traditional fabric dyeing and treatment accounts for 20% of worldwide wastewater. Meanwhile, the fashion industry generates 10% of annual global carbon emissions. Ricoh now provides a robust, environmentally responsible alternative approach for digital textile printers by pairing its broad printhead portfolio with Farbenpunkt’s unique Peracto Technology.

The optimised combination is ideal for apparel and home furnishing applications. It delivers more than 90% savings in fresh and wastewater use, as well as 50% savings in energy use. This delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions. Also, no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted.

The combination allows a simplified digital textile print production process which:

  • Eliminates the need for high water and energy consuming stages of pre-treatment and post-treatment, saving up to €0.9 per sqm. These savings can equal twice the cost of the ink.
  • Uses hot air fixation at a relatively low temperature of 140°C – 160°C.
  • Delivers a quick fixation time of two to four minutes.
  • Ensures consistent and reliable results on synthetic, natural, and mixed fibres.
  • Meets or exceeds all industry specifications for strict colour fastness tests for washing, wet and dry rubbing, lightfastness, and ageing

The ink is also compliant with REACH, the European Union regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. It also has an OEKO-TEX Eco-Passport, an independent certification for chemicals, colourants and accessories used in textile production. Graham Kennedy, Director, Industrial Print, Ricoh Europe, says: “This collaboration builds on Ricoh’s longstanding history of innovative inkjet head development and allows us to support a production sector looking for ways to address growing questions around sustainability. Digitally producing textiles with vastly reduced water waste and eliminating energy intensive pre and post treatment stages delivers huge environmental benefits. This disruptive ink offering therefore enables more cost effective production and allows manufacturers to consider establishing local production capabilities through reshoring. This is especially important now when we are seeing a growth in on demand digital production spurred on by the impact of the pandemic on consumer habits and business operations. Our Farbenpunkt partnership is good news for manufacturers and their shareholders, textile printers and consumers.”

Farbenpunkt Managing Director, Etienne Steveninck, adds: “Working with Ricoh allows us to bring this high performing, versatile ink to a wider audience. It will enable textile manufacturers to produce large volumes, quickly, on a range of materials, meet strict accreditation standards, and contribute to the sustainability of our planet. The two companies are a natural fit as the wellbeing of our environment is part of Ricoh’s DNA too.”

Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, communications services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2020, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,008 billion yen (approx. 18.5 billion USD).

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LUDWIGSBURG, Germany, Jan. 5, 2021 (Press Release) -Effective today, as existing contracts allow, BASF is increasing prices globally for a large part of its formulation additives for paint and coatings industry such as Attagel, Dispex, Efka, Foamaster, Foamstar, Hydropalat, Loxanol and Rheovis grades.

Price increases of up to five to ten percent dependent on region are needed to compensate for increasing costs from transportation, safety, legislation, registrationrequirements (e.g. Reach, TSCA) and to continue to support customers with highlevel products and services.

About BASF’s Performance & Formulation Additives portfolio

BASF is a premiere provider of performance and formulation additives for the paints and coatings industry. With a comprehensive range of respected brands and a broad technology base of dispersing agents, defoamers, rheology modifiers, wetting agents and surface modifiers, filmforming agents, light stabilizers, antioxidants and optical brighteners, our unique portfolio helps to enable performance-driven products, which are passionately designed to meet the latest and most stringent environmental regulations.

BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments division

The Dispersions & Pigments division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of highquality pigments, resins, additives and polymer dispersions worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for a number of industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Pigments division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

BASF to increase prices for its formulation additives globally by 5-10%

Posted in: Chemicals 01/05/2021 - 09:28

LUDWIGSBURG, Germany, Jan. 5, 2021 (Press Release) -Effective today, as existing contracts allow, BASF is increasing prices globally for a large part of its formulation additives for paint and coatings industry such as Attagel, Dispex, Efka, Foamaster, Foamstar, Hydropalat, Loxanol and Rheovis grades.

Price increases of up to five to ten percent dependent on region are needed to compensate for increasing costs from transportation, safety, legislation, registrationrequirements (e.g. Reach, TSCA) and to continue to support customers with highlevel products and services.

About BASF’s Performance & Formulation Additives portfolio

BASF is a premiere provider of performance and formulation additives for the paints and coatings industry. With a comprehensive range of respected brands and a broad technology base of dispersing agents, defoamers, rheology modifiers, wetting agents and surface modifiers, filmforming agents, light stabilizers, antioxidants and optical brighteners, our unique portfolio helps to enable performance-driven products, which are passionately designed to meet the latest and most stringent environmental regulations.

BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments division

The Dispersions & Pigments division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of highquality pigments, resins, additives and polymer dispersions worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for a number of industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Pigments division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

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STAMFORD, CT, Dec. 27, 2020 (Press Release) -Jeffry N. Quinn to Take Leave of Absence

Lead Independent Director Ilan Kaufthal Elected Chairman of the Board on Interim Basis

Tronox Holdings plc (“Tronox” or the “Company”), the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed John D. Romano, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, and Jean-François Turgeon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as co-Chief Executive Officers on an interim basis, effective immediately. In addition, Ilan Kaufthal, Lead Independent Director, has been elected Chairman of the Board on an interim basis, effective immediately.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffry N. Quinn will take a leave of absence, effective immediately. On December 24, 2020, Mr. Quinn alerted the Board that he had been referenced as an unnamed individual in a Securities and Exchange Commission civil complaint and related criminal complaint regarding alleged insider trading by the defendant named in the complaints in the shares of Ferro Corporation in February and March of 2016.  Mr. Quinn served as a director of Ferro Corporation from May 2013 through August 2016.  Mr. Quinn has been a director of Tronox since 2011, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in December 2017 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in March 2019.  Neither Tronox nor Tronox’s shares are referenced in the complaints.

Mr. Kaufthal commented, “As we closely monitor developments with respect to the complaints, the Board has determined that Mr. Quinn’s leave of absence and the appointment of John D. Romano and Jean-François Turgeon as co-CEOs on an interim basis are in the best interests of Tronox and its stakeholders.”

Mr. Kaufthal continued, “The Board’s focus on maintaining a robust governance and succession planning process enabled our swift response to ensure the Company continues to execute on its long-term strategic plan.  Mr. Romano and Mr. Turgeon collaborated successfully in leading the Company through Tronox’s transformation, including the Cristal integration and the challenges presented by the pandemic.  With over six decades of combined leadership and operational experience in both the pigment and mining industries, including many years at Tronox, Mr. Romano and Mr. Turgeon have strong records of delivering results and appreciation for our culture.  We are confident that together, supported by a deep bench of talented senior management, we will continue to build on the significant momentum Tronox is currently experiencing in the market.”

Mr. Romano commented, “Over the last year, Tronox has demonstrated resiliency in meeting ongoing challenges.  We remain confident that our vertical integration strategy will continue to provide a competitive advantage, allowing Tronox to best serve our global customer base during this pivotal time in the TiO2 industry as we close out a strong fourth quarter.  Jean-François and I appreciate the Board’s confidence as we work closely to ensure a seamless transition for all our stakeholders.”

Mr. Turgeon added, “As we continue to operate our business with a high level of excellence, we remain focused on meeting the needs of our customers and driving financial results.  We have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, quality, low-cost, sustainable tons for our customers.  John and I are confident Tronox is well positioned to capitalize on the future market recovery.”

While serving as co-Chief Executive Officers on an interim basis, John D. Romano and Jean-François Turgeon will maintain their respective responsibilities as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

About John D. Romano

Mr. Romano currently serves as co-Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis as well as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer.  Previous roles include Senior Vice President and President of the Company’s Pigment and Electrolytic operations, as well as Executive Vice President of Tronox Incorporated.  He has held a variety of senior sales and marketing leadership positions at Tronox and its predecessor companies dating back to 1988.  Mr. Romano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.

About Jean-François Turgeon

Mr. Turgeon currently serves as co-Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Turgeon joined Tronox in January 2014 to integrate the mineral sands and pigment business.  In addition, he has accountability for integrated business planning, technology, supply chain and capital investment, including mine development.  Mr. Turgeon brings decades of leadership experience in the global titanium dioxide business.  He joined Tronox from the Rio Tinto Group, where he served for more than 24 years, culminating in his position as Managing Director of its iron and titanium division.  Mr. Turgeon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Université Laval and a Master’s degree in Hydrometallurgy from McGill University.

About Tronox

Tronox Holdings plc is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality titanium products, including titanium dioxide pigment, specialty-grade titanium dioxide products and high-purity titanium chemicals, and zircon. We mine titanium-bearing mineral sands and operate upgrading facilities that produce high-grade titanium feedstock materials, pig iron and other minerals. With nearly 7,000 employees across six continents, our rich diversity, unmatched vertical integration model, and unparalleled operational and technical expertise across the value chain, position Tronox as the preeminent titanium dioxide producer in the world.

Tronox's BOD appoints John D. Romano and Jean-François Turgeon as co-CEOs on interim basis, effective immediately

Posted in: Chemicals 12/27/2020 - 09:33

STAMFORD, CT, Dec. 27, 2020 (Press Release) -Jeffry N. Quinn to Take Leave of Absence

Lead Independent Director Ilan Kaufthal Elected Chairman of the Board on Interim Basis

Tronox Holdings plc (“Tronox” or the “Company”), the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed John D. Romano, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, and Jean-François Turgeon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as co-Chief Executive Officers on an interim basis, effective immediately. In addition, Ilan Kaufthal, Lead Independent Director, has been elected Chairman of the Board on an interim basis, effective immediately.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffry N. Quinn will take a leave of absence, effective immediately. On December 24, 2020, Mr. Quinn alerted the Board that he had been referenced as an unnamed individual in a Securities and Exchange Commission civil complaint and related criminal complaint regarding alleged insider trading by the defendant named in the complaints in the shares of Ferro Corporation in February and March of 2016.  Mr. Quinn served as a director of Ferro Corporation from May 2013 through August 2016.  Mr. Quinn has been a director of Tronox since 2011, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in December 2017 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in March 2019.  Neither Tronox nor Tronox’s shares are referenced in the complaints.

Mr. Kaufthal commented, “As we closely monitor developments with respect to the complaints, the Board has determined that Mr. Quinn’s leave of absence and the appointment of John D. Romano and Jean-François Turgeon as co-CEOs on an interim basis are in the best interests of Tronox and its stakeholders.”

Mr. Kaufthal continued, “The Board’s focus on maintaining a robust governance and succession planning process enabled our swift response to ensure the Company continues to execute on its long-term strategic plan.  Mr. Romano and Mr. Turgeon collaborated successfully in leading the Company through Tronox’s transformation, including the Cristal integration and the challenges presented by the pandemic.  With over six decades of combined leadership and operational experience in both the pigment and mining industries, including many years at Tronox, Mr. Romano and Mr. Turgeon have strong records of delivering results and appreciation for our culture.  We are confident that together, supported by a deep bench of talented senior management, we will continue to build on the significant momentum Tronox is currently experiencing in the market.”

Mr. Romano commented, “Over the last year, Tronox has demonstrated resiliency in meeting ongoing challenges.  We remain confident that our vertical integration strategy will continue to provide a competitive advantage, allowing Tronox to best serve our global customer base during this pivotal time in the TiO2 industry as we close out a strong fourth quarter.  Jean-François and I appreciate the Board’s confidence as we work closely to ensure a seamless transition for all our stakeholders.”

Mr. Turgeon added, “As we continue to operate our business with a high level of excellence, we remain focused on meeting the needs of our customers and driving financial results.  We have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, quality, low-cost, sustainable tons for our customers.  John and I are confident Tronox is well positioned to capitalize on the future market recovery.”

While serving as co-Chief Executive Officers on an interim basis, John D. Romano and Jean-François Turgeon will maintain their respective responsibilities as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

About John D. Romano

Mr. Romano currently serves as co-Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis as well as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer.  Previous roles include Senior Vice President and President of the Company’s Pigment and Electrolytic operations, as well as Executive Vice President of Tronox Incorporated.  He has held a variety of senior sales and marketing leadership positions at Tronox and its predecessor companies dating back to 1988.  Mr. Romano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.

About Jean-François Turgeon

Mr. Turgeon currently serves as co-Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Turgeon joined Tronox in January 2014 to integrate the mineral sands and pigment business.  In addition, he has accountability for integrated business planning, technology, supply chain and capital investment, including mine development.  Mr. Turgeon brings decades of leadership experience in the global titanium dioxide business.  He joined Tronox from the Rio Tinto Group, where he served for more than 24 years, culminating in his position as Managing Director of its iron and titanium division.  Mr. Turgeon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Université Laval and a Master’s degree in Hydrometallurgy from McGill University.

About Tronox

Tronox Holdings plc is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality titanium products, including titanium dioxide pigment, specialty-grade titanium dioxide products and high-purity titanium chemicals, and zircon. We mine titanium-bearing mineral sands and operate upgrading facilities that produce high-grade titanium feedstock materials, pig iron and other minerals. With nearly 7,000 employees across six continents, our rich diversity, unmatched vertical integration model, and unparalleled operational and technical expertise across the value chain, position Tronox as the preeminent titanium dioxide producer in the world.

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