Market News Oil rises 1.5 percent toward $50 April 17, 2009 by plasticsinfomart Oil rose to nearly $50 a barrel on Thursday but gains were limited as mixed data from the United States and China reminded investors that any signs of economic recovery were tentative. U.S. crude for May delivery rose 73 cents, or nearly 1.5 percent, to settle at $49.98 a barrel, after hitting $50.48 earlier in […] Read more »
Category Menu Product News Oil Supply Near 20-Year High April 16, 2009 by plasticsinfomart Oil Inventories Highest Since 1990In its weekly status report today, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported another build in crude oil inventories. At current levels, crude oil stockpiles remain significantly above seasonal and historical levels. In fact, at 366.7 million barrels, current crude oil inventories are at their highest point since 1990.But despite the continued […] Read more »
Category Menu Product News Rubber Board asks FMC to curb price volatility April 16, 2009 by plasticsinfomart The Rubber Board has asked market regulator Forward Markets Commission (FMC) to reverse the price fluctuation limit to 2% to curb volatility in rubber prices in futures markets. “We have written to the FMC seeking checks to curb volatility in rubber futures,” Rubber Board chairman Sajen Peter said. The board has demanded the daily upper […] Read more »
Category Menu Product News Polypropylene ‘punched to the ground’ by overcapacity April 16, 2009 by plasticsinfomart The global polypropylene market will need to stagger through the next few years before finding its stride again. With demand and prices in freefall since mid-2008, that might be the best the market can hope for. “What punched polypropylene to the ground was disruption of consumption throughout the supply chain,” said Esteban Sagel, North American […] Read more »
Market News Ashland increases resin and gelcoat prices in Europe and Asia Pacific regions April 16, 2009 by plasticsinfomart Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of specialty chemical products provider Ashland Inc., is increasing the price of its unsaturated polyester resins and gelcoats sold in Europe and Asia Pacific regions by 3 to 4% effective May 1, or at the earliest possible time thereafter depending on individual customer contracts. This price increase, according to […] Read more »
Category Menu Machinery News German’s machinery order intake down by half in February April 16, 2009 by plasticsinfomart Germany’s order intake on mechanical and plant engineering received in February, according to the country’s representing body VDMA, was down 49% year on year. Statistics show foreign clients demand fell by 50%, while domestic demand decreased by 45%. From December 2008 to February 2009, the drop in orders amounted to 44%. VDMA also estimates the […] Read more »
End Markets Processes PolyOne launches ECCOH compounds for solar panel cables April 15, 2009 by plasticsinfomart PolyOne Corporation, a provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, has added compounds for cables used in solar panels to its portfolio of sustainable solutions. The protective cable insulation and jacketing made from PolyOne’s ECCOH compounds can be found in solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. According to Murielle Chuzeville, PolyOne’s general manager […] Read more »
Category Menu Product News RHODIA Launches New Waterborne Paint Additives… April 15, 2009 by plasticsinfomart Rhodia strengthens its presence on the paint and coatings market with the launch of new high-performance chemicals created to meet formulators’ demands for specific solutions. These innovations are extending the existing range of additives and position Rhodia as one of the innovative suppliers of performance additives for a variety of paint and coatings applications. Rhodia’s […] Read more »