News
Skills for the Petrochemicals Industry of Tomorrow: Transforming in the Green & Digital Age
Petrochemicals Europe has joined ChemSkills Project, a new European-funded initiative addressing the digital and green transition in the chemical industry. ChemSkills is about making sure that education and industry are on the same page, creating a concrete plan to bridge the skills gap and getting the right support.
Transition Plans Are Set To Become A Licence To Get Funding: Key Takeaways From The Transition Finance Event
An unprecedented industrial transformation that the chemical industry has to undergo by 2050 will require billions of investments over the next decades. So how can companies secure the appropriate funding to embark on the ambitious transition? More than 200 attendees gathered at a recent Transition Finance event organised in Chemelot, one of the EU’s largest chemical clusters to discuss strategies for accessing much-needed finance.
Cefic Publishes Chemical Industry’s Manifesto ‘Teaming Up For A Climate-Neutral And Competitive Europe’
Cefic has released its manifesto ‘Teaming up for a Climate-Neutral and Competitive Europe’ outlining its key priorities for the new EU institutional cycle. The manifesto emphasises the industry’s commitment to supporting the EU Green Deal and the importance of a legislative environment that facilitates the industry’s transition to 2050.
The journey of petrochemicals explained: from raw materials to 95% of all manufactured goods
We updated our flowchart illustrating the complex journey of petrochemicals from raw materials to everyday products. The update reflects the industry’s initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and diversify its feedstock.
A milestone moment for the European chemicals industry: the EU Chemical Industry Transition Pathway helps define the sector’s path to 2050
Petrochemicals Europe, an industry group of Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, welcomes the publication of the EU Chemical Industry Transition Pathway released by the European Commission as a first-of-a-kind report offering European industry a roadmap towards the EU Green Deal goals.
Petrochemicals industry on its journey towards sustainable future: BASF, SABIC and Linde start construction of the world’s first demonstration plant for large-scale electrically heated steam cracker furnaces
Up to a 90% reduction in GHG emissions? BASF, SABIC and Linde have started a pioneering project aiming to reduce the CO2 emissions by powering a steam cracker with electricity instead of fossil fuels.
Ozone episodes: latest news on the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme’s (EMEP) Intensive Measurement Period (IMP)
There is an identified need for a better understanding when it comes to tropospheric ozone. That is why the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme’s (EMEP) Intensive Measurement Period (IMP) is focusing on ozone episodes. ESIG, European Solvents Industry Group, is proud to sponsor this activity as part of its initiatives on improving the air quality.
Enabling Europe’s Resilience Towards An Open Strategic Autonomy: Diversify Supplies, Strengthen Ties And Accelerate Innovation
As Europe faces challenging times due to the impacts of the war in Ukraine, urgent action is needed to speed up Europe’s dependency on critical raw materials. In Cefic’s Digital Dialogue, featuring the Petrochemicals Europe Executive Director Frans Stokman, it was agreed that while full European autonomy is not feasible, or even desired, action is needed to build European resilience, including diversifying supplies of critical raw materials; strengthening diplomatic ties with third countries; and speeding up innovation to develop alternatives.
Solvents and air quality: updated EMEP/EEA Air Pollutant Emission Inventory Guidebook includes a chapter on the use of ESIG Solvent VOC inventories
European Environment Agency (EEA) and European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) have updated their joint guidance to NFR 2D3 Solvent and Product Use, featuring, amongst others, the solvents Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) inventories from European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG). The guidance explains the methodology and how to use ESIG’s data.
European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) updates its Solvents Human Exposure Database, the largest open source of solvent exposure data available
ESIG updates its Solvents Human Exposure Database with data from 2020 and 2021. The database contains detailed information on oxygenated and hydrocarbon solvents exposure published over the past 22 years, making it the largest open source of solvent exposure data available.
Environmental Footprint Compliant Secondary Dataset
ESIG has been collecting industry average data to develop cradle-to-gate life-cycle inventories for several solvents which are part of consumer products to facilitate the calculation of Product or Organisation Environmental Footprints (PEFs/OEFs) and assure that a solid Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data base for solvent is available.
ESIG Solvent VOC emission inventories 2020
ESIG has finalised its 2020 solvent volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission inventories and results do seem in line with previous numbers: Solvent VOC emissions have stabilized in the EU28 since 2008.
25 years of ESIG and ESVOC
The European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) and the European Solvents Downstream Users Coordination Group (ESVOC) celebrated their 25 year anniversary
Solvents Human Exposure Database
The European Solvents Industry Group's (ESIG) has finalised the update of the Solvents Human Exposure Database which is now available on its website.
ESIG Solvents Award 2021
The European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) has launched the Solvents Award 2021 in order to highlight not only safe but also sustainable use of solvents with respect to health and safety, environmental improvements.
Our industry’s transition to deliver on the European Green Deal
Our revised mission, vision, and priorities reflect how the industry is transitioning to deliver on the European Green Deal. One of the main goals is to demonstrate the key role our industry plays in achieving EU’s climate-neutrality objective by 2050. To do so, we showcase many sustainable initiatives carried out by our member companies that contribute to a low-carbon and circular economy in the fields of (cracker) electrification, recycling, innovation, hydrogen etc.
Clean hydrogen can contribute to reduce our industry’s carbon footprint
Carbon-neutral hydrogen could play a role to reduce the carbon footprint of the petrochemical industry by in the short-term providing low-carbon fuel to heat steam crackers’ furnaces and in the long-term feedstock to manufacture petrochemicals.
Reducing CO2 remains the industry’s number one priority in its sustainable transition
Our paper on methane shows that across the value chain from crude oil/natural gas to chemical products (e.g. plastics), the largest contributor to methane emissions is the exploration of gas and oil. Methane emissions at refineries and chemical plants are very small compared to the amount of CO2 that these plants release. Methane emissions are due to incomplete combustion in furnaces and boilers of refineries and fugitive emissions. Therefore, methane in the chemical industry should not be the greenhouse gas (GHG) that companies focus on when reducing their carbon footprint.
Challenges and opportunities facing the petrochemical sector
In an interview with Euro Petroleum Consultants, our Executive Director, Frans Stokman, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the petrochemical sector following a challenging year and highlights the initiatives that our member companies have put in place to reduce their carbon footprint.
The role of solvents in achieving the European green deal
Mid-January 2021, the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG), a sector group of Petrochemicals Europe, held its first Stakeholder Day, which is part of a series of events on "Solvents & the European Green Deal". It focused on the sustainability and circular Economy aspects.
Industry acts to implement benzene exposure limit and protect workers’ health
Following the publication by the European Commission (EC) of its proposal for the revised benzene Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL), the industry has already started to develop implementation plans to comply with the value and the Cefic Aromatics Producers’ Association (APA) and Concawe have written guidelines to help refineries and petrochemical sites do so.
Responsible Care goes digital: launching the new Self-Assessment webtool
The Responsible Care initiative has launched its new self-assessment webtool, strengthening support for companies towards improving the safe production, handling and use of chemicals across supply chains.
Sustainable Fuels, a sector group of Petrochemicals Europe, lays out 2050 Vision
Sustainable Fuels, the voice of the fuel ethers industry in Europe, launched in October its Vision for 2050 at an event hosted by Angelika Niebler MEP. The Vision outlines the role of liquid fuels in the transport system of tomorrow, delivering affordable and carbon-neutral mobility for all of Europe’s citizens while meeting Europe’s objective of climate neutrality by 2050.
New Chemical Strategy For Sustainability
On 14 October, the European Commission adopted the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). Cefic, to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs welcomed the new compliance, enforcement and innovation pro...
Europe’s petrochemicals industry initiatives to decarbonize & deliver on EU Green Deal
Petrochemicals Europe's member companies have already taken initiatives to reduce their own carbon footprint while fostering innovation in low-carbon technologies. These initiatives range from the electrification of steam crackers to CCS/CCU and circular economy projects.
Live Webinar: safe handling of N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP)
Petrochemicals Europe’s BDO sector group organised a one-hour webinar in cooperation with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to explain the N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) guideline that gives recommendations on how to comply with the restriction and protect workers. The Webinar had a record attendance of 175 participants. It featured speakers from ECHA, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Lyondell Chemie and Cefic.
Role of chemical industry in the fight against COVID-19
The European chemical industry has been playing an essential role during the COVID-19 crisis. Cefic has just published a map of Europe featuring all the initiatives taken by the industry to help provide critical supplies such as disinfectants, protective equipments, fuel, diagnostic tests etc.
Frans Stokman becomes Executive Director of Petrochemicals Europe
On 1 May, Frans Stokman took up the position of Executive Director of Petrochemicals Europe, an industry sector of Cefic. Frans has extensive experience in the global oil, gas and petrochemical industry. He worked for over 25 years for Shell, from which he resigned before joining Cefic as a fully employed director.
The European Chemical Industry ’s COVID-19 Helpdesk
The outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe has affected all of us including the chemical industry, which has been playing a crucial role in helping Governments, other industrial sectors and communities to tackle the crisis. Our industry’s top priority has been to ensure the health and safety of our employees and to secure supplies of critical chemicals into medical, environmental and food supply chains amidst border closures and lockdown measures.
EU chemical industry offers recommendations to help keep critical supply chains running
Following the COVID-19 outbreak and emergency measure taken by governments across the EU, Cefic to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs sent a letter to the European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen with a number of key suggestions our logistic experts have developed to quickly allow easier and faster transport of essential goods throughout Europe.
Chemical industry calls for sectoral Green Deal
In a statement reacting to the publication of EU's new Industrial Strategy on 10 March, Cefic urges EU institutions to adopt a “sectoral Green Deal for the chemical industry”. Following the publication on 11 March of the Circular Economy Action Plan, Cefic issued a statement stressing that the chemical industry enables a circular economy by developing breakthrough technologies such as chemical recycling.
Chemical industry supports Green Deal and Europe’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2050
Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, issued a statement reacting to the publication of the European Commission’s proposal for an EU Climate Law.
UK Solvents Industry Association confirms ‘business as usual’ with EU partners post-Brexit
The UK Solvents Industry Association (SIA) has confirmed that their close cooperation with the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) part of Petrochemicals Europe, an industry sector of Cefic, will remain undiminished throughout and beyond the transition period as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.
NMP Workshop on the “Safe Handling of NMP and the ECHA guideline for users ”
The Cefic BDO & Derivatives sector group will organise on 18 March in cooperation with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) a workshop on the NMP (1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) safe handling guideline that ECHA published in July 2019. The aim of the event is to explain how the guideline can help users of NMP comply with the REACH restriction.
Brexit: chemical Industry reiterates need to maintain smooth trade between EU and UK
On 25 February, the EU and UK chemical industry have outlined their priorities for a future partnership reacting to the formal approval of a new Brexit negotiation mandate by the EU General Affairs Council.
Petrochemicals industry: largest investor in EU chemical sector in 2018
The recently-published Cefic 2020 facts and figures show that petrochemicals account for over one quarter (25.4%) of EU chemical sales in 2018 and is the largest investor in the EU chemical sector, followed by plastics and “auxiliary for industry” with €6.5 billion.
Masterplan of energy-intensive industries
Cefic, to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs, signed the “Masterplan for a Competitive Transformation of EU Energy-intensive Industries Enabling (EIIs) a Climate-neutral, Circular Economy by 2050” calling for the inclusion of a strong and ambitious industrial policy in the European Green Deal.
European Industries call for ambitious industrial strategy
On 26 November, Industry4Europe, a coalition of 149 sector associations representing the diversity of the EU’s industrial base, including the chemical industry published its new Joint Paper ‘A long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future: from words to action’. Through cross-sectoral recommendations, the Industry4Europe coalition contributes to the future EU industrial strategy announced by European Commission President-Elect Ursula von der Leyen.
ESIG Award winner highlights important role of digitalisation in supply chain management
The ESIG Solvents Award ceremony took place in Brussels on 6 November during the General Assemblies of the Oxygenated Solvents Producers Association (OSPA) and the Hydrocarbon Solvents Producers Association (HSPA). After the award ceremony, ESIG interviewed Gesche Weger, Packwise CEO who explains how the start-up was created and what the technology can bring to the chemical industry in terms of digitalisation and sustainability.
The Circular Plastics Alliance to boost chemical recycling
On 20 September, the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs signed the Declaration of the Circular Plastics Alliance. The Alliance is the EU-wide voluntary movement to increase recycling and the uptake of recycled plastics in the EU by 2025.
ECHA publishes advice on how to comply with NMP restriction
A new guidance document is available for industrial users of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), one of Petrochemicals Europe’s products, to help them comply with the substance’s restriction requirements and protect workers’ health and the environment. Available NOW in 23 languages!
Solvents Award winner shows innovation in digitalisation
The European Solvents Industry Group, ESIG, a sector group of Petrochemicals Europe (Cefic), has awarded the Solvents Award 2019 to Packwise GmbH for its “smart IBC industrial containers”. Its project showcases innovation in the field of digitalisation.
European Fuel Oxygenates Association (EFOA) becomes Sustainable Fuels
EFOA, part of Petrochemicals Europe, unveiled yesterday its new identity: "Sustainable Fuels: Driving Cleaner Mobility with Fuel Ethers". This new identity reflects its values and the contribution fuel ethers make to reducing transport emissions across Europe.
Cefic Action Plan to help REACH registrants review chemical safety data
Cefic to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs has launched a voluntary multi-annual Action Plan for Review and Improvement of REACH Dossiers. The Action Plan provides a framework for companies – holders of REACH registrations – to evaluate their safety data already submitted under REACH.
Molecule Managers: Cefic presents vision for EU chemical industry
Cefic belongs has just launched its Vision of the Future of Europe and the chemical industry in 2050. This report is an initiative of the EU chemical industry to describe a plausible path toward a prosperous, more sustainable Europe in the year 2050.
Solvents Award finalists show innovation in sustainability & digitalisation
The European Solvents Industry Group, a sector group of Cefic (Petrochemicals Europe), has announced the selection of five finalists for the Solvents Award 2019. The candidates showcase innovations of solvents’ downstream users in the fields of sustainability and digitalisation.
Defining occupational exposure limit to prevent benzene’s adverse health effects
The Aromatics Producers Association (APA) will organise on 11 September 2019 a symposium entitled “Preventing benzene's adverse health effects: considerations in occupational exposure limit development” bringing together relevant stakeholders from academia, regulatory authorities and industry to analyse available human data and help define a safe exposure level for the substance.
Solvents Industry Sector provides guidance to comply with REACH
The European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) published an article in the European Coatings Journal, June 2019 edition explaining how it helps solvent manufactures and downstream users comply with REACH requirements.
Petrochemicals Europe appoints new leadership
Silvio Ghyoot joins Cefic as new Executive Director of Petrochemicals Europe, an industry sector of Cefic. Meanwhile, Rob Ingram, CEO, INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe North has been appointed as new Chairman of the Petrochemicals Europe Board, succeeding Pieter Platteeuw from The Dow Chemical Company.
We Are Making REACH Work
Following on from the publication of The BUND Report on REACH dossier quality, Cefic to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs reiterated its commitment to make REACH work. REACH is the largest environmental regulation produced by the European Union, and companies are continuing to work hard on its implementation.
Young workers highlight chemical industry’s key role in sustainability
In the context of Petrochemicals Europe’s “young ambassadors” campaign, chemical companies from all over Europe interviewed young workers representing the diversity of the industry in terms of gender, nationality, educational background and job profile. Listen to young employees working for the European chemical industry who explain why the industry is a frontrunner in innovation and a key enabler for sustainability!
German chemical association appoints new Director General
The Board of the Association of the German Chemical Industry (VCI) has just appointed Dr. Wolfgang Große Entrup as new Director General. As of 1 October 2019, he will replace Utz Tillmann who has held the position since 2008 and will retire.
Petrochemicals Europe wins European Award
We are proud to announce that Petrochemicals Europe won the European Association Awards 2019 in the category of the best association website. We would like to thank the jury for giving us recognition for the revamp of our website. It is the result of several months of hard work and excellent cooperation within our team.
Chemical industry contribution to global economy
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) published a report entitled "The Global Chemical Industry: Catalyzing Growth and Addressing Our World’s Sustainability Challenges", which shows that the industry contributes an estimated $5.7 trillion to global GDP and supports 120 million jobs worldwide.
In Memoriam Of Vincent Navez
Our well respected and talented Cefic colleague, Vincent Navez, passed away on 28 March. Our thoughts are with his family and all that are dear to him.
EU/UK Business says “no deal Brexit” must be avoided
In a statement signed by 15 European associations including the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and the UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA), European businesses are calling to avoid a "no deal Brexit" that could result in major disruption of supply chains across all industries and threaten jobs.
EU chemical output declines slightly amid global economic downturn
February chemical trends report confirms a slight fall in EU chemicals output in the second half of last year. Down by about 1% on 2017, production was affected by a slowdown in the global economy.
EU chemical industry committed to making REACH work.
Cefic, the organisation to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs, published a statement indicating that EU chemical industry is committed to making REACH work. It acknowledges that data gaps need to be tackled more swiftly and efficiently.
Young ambassadors’ campaign goes live
Petrochemicals Europe has just launched the young ambassadors’ digital campaign in order to bridge the skill gap, attract more young people into STEM and the (petro-)chemical industry and put a human face on the industry. It is also a way to showcase the industry’s diversity and highlight the contribution it makes to a sustainable society.
Chemical industry calls for Brexit deal
In a joint statement the Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), Marco Mensink and the Chief Executive of the Chemical Industries Association, Steve Elliott called for an agreed Brexit deal. The absence of an exit agreement between the UK and the EU would have major implications for Europe as a whole.
ESIG launches the Solvents Award 2019
The European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) launched on 1st February the Solvents Award 2019 in order to highlight not only safe but also sustainable use of solvents with respect to health and safety, environmental improvements.
Petrochemicals Europe: finalist for European Associations Award best website
Petrochemicals Europe has been shortlisted for the European Associations Award 2019 in the category of the best association website. Since its launch in April 2018, our revamped website has proved very successful in reaching out to key target audiences and achieving its main objectives.
EU funded “MMAtwo” project on plastic recycling takes first actions
The “MMAtwo” project, which aims at improving Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) recycling technology, has been granted funds from Horizon 2020, the EU Research & Innovation programme (2017-2020). The project launched in October 2018 has already moved forward with the organisation in November of a visit to a recycling facility for its partners to identify process steps.
European chemical industry call for Brexit solution
Following the Brexit deal rejection by British MPs on 15 January, Cefic to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs urged policy-makers to find a solution in order to avoid uncertainty about the state of play after 29 March 2019.
Antwerp: location of first petrochemicals steam cracker built in Europe in 20 years
INEOS, one of Petrochemicals Europe's member company, announced on 15 January Antwerp as the location of the first petrochemicals steam cracker to be built in Europe in 20 years.
Cefic expects modest growth of EU chemical industry in 2019
The European Chemical Industry Council, Cefic, to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs expects a modest 0,5% growth in 2019 compared to 2018 due to a decline in demand from the automotive industry in...
EU 2050 climate strategy: Cefic highlights importance of keeping industry competitive
On 28 November, the European Commission presented its scenarios outlining ways the EU economy can reach carbon-neutrality by 2050. These scenarios require a huge transformation of all sectors of the e...
UK and EU chemical industry highlights importance of Brexit deal
The chemical industry in the UK and EU-27 have welcomed an agreed text on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and a future trading relationship. This is all the more important for the petrochemical sector since chemicals derived from oil and gas account for 30% of EU chemicals' trade with the UK.
New website highlights benefits of coal chemicals
Cefic’s Coal Chemicals Sector Group (CCSG), the association representing European producers of chemicals derived from coal, has just re-branded its image and changed its name into Coal Chemicals Europe. A brand new website is now up and running to inform a broader public about the benefits of coal chemicals.
Port of Antwerp, largest petrochemical cluster in Europe, leads way in sustainability & digitalization
In four interviews, representatives of Antwerp Port Authority depict a performing, sustainable and modern petrochemical cluster that foreshadows the industry of tomorrow. In close cooperation with the Port Authority, petrochemical companies located at the Port of Antwerp strive to minimize their environmental footprint via initiatives like "Zero Pellet Loss", optimize their resources and digitalize plants’ operation thanks to online tools like "NxtPort".
Chemical industry and NGOs call for UK to remain within REACH post-Brexit
On 16 October, Cefic, CHEM Trust, the European Environment Bureau (EEB) and the UK Chemical Industries Association (CIA) published an Open Letter to all EU Heads of State in the Financial Times to urge the UK and EU-27 governments to allow the UK to remain within REACH and to participate in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) post-Brexit.
Petrochemicals Europe Head shares her thoughts on state of European industry
In the run-up to EPCA Annual Meeting, Dorothee Arns, Executive Director of Petrochemicals Europe, reflected on the current state of the European petrochemicals industry in interviews with two major trade journals: ICIS and Chemical Week.
Borealis announces new petrochemical investment in Europe
Borealis, one of Petrochemicals Europe’s members, announced on 6 October that it would build a world-scale petrochemical plant in Antwerp, Belgium to produce propylene, one of the most important building blocks for the chemical industry by 2022.
PMMA recycling project granted Horizon 2020 funds
The “MMAtwo” project, which aims at improving Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) recycling technology, has been selected by the European Commission within the SPIRE-10 call to receive funds from Horizon 2020, the EU Research & Innovation programme (2017-2020). The project could unleash a significant recycling potential and turn the PMMA consumption model from a linear to a more circular one.
Cefic calls for an ambitious industrial strategy
Cefic to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs presented its Manifesto for a Competitive Europe at the EU Council Competitiveness & Growth Working Party meeting on 17 September. It outlines specific recommendations from the chemical industry aimed at reinforcing the industry’s role as an enabler of all other manufacturing sectors.
Petrochemicals Europe goes to parliament on STEM & gender equality
How to attract more women to highly-qualified jobs like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)? How to tap the female potential more for all major decision-making processes in society?
INEOS announces major investment in new petrochemicals plants
INEOS, a member company of Petrochemicals Europe, announced on 3 July that it would build an ethane steam cracker and a propane dehydrogenation unit in North West Europe. The steam cracker will be the first to be constructed in Europe in over 20 years.
EU chemical industry continues to grow
The EU chemicals sector continued to grow during the first quarter of 2018, but at a slower pace due to the Eurozone economy’s slowdown. Exports to the US rose by nearly 20% in value compared to last year. Petrochemicals accounted for 87% of the exports' increase, although production decreased.
10 years of REACH: turning it into a competitive advantage for Europe’s industry
As the REACH registration deadline (31 May) has passed, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Cefic signed a cooperation agreement on 15 June to further improve REACH implementation.“The European chemical industry is looking to the EU and member states to make sure REACH becomes a competitive advantage for the European industry”, says Cefic.
What is the state of Europe’s petrochemical industry?
Dorothee Arns, Executive Director, Petrochemicals Europe, gave the keynote address at the Hydrocarbon Processing’s International Refining and Petrochemical Conference (IRPC) Europe. Her presentation provided a detailed overview of the current state of the European petrochemical industry.
Solvents industry gets ECHA recognition
The European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG)'s Generic Exposure Scenarios use maps are now available in the use maps library of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to help REACH registrants and substance users prepare their chemical safety assessment. It is a major recognition of the work ESIG has done in cooperation with downstream users.
Solvents Industry Group becomes partner in European agency’s safety at work campaign
The European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) is once again a partner in the new campaign of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) for 2018/2019 entitled “Managing Dangerous Substances” that was launched on 24 April.
Petrochemicals Europe’s staff visits Port of Antwerp
In February, as part of an induction programme for new comers, Petrochemicals Europe’s staff headed to Antwerp to visit the Port and the BASF petrochemicals site. It gave them the opportunity to get an insight into how the second-largest petrochemical cluster in the world works.
European chemical industry benefits from global economic growth
The EU chemical industry continues to grow in 2018 benefiting from a positive global and European economic context. Production increased by 2.6% from January to February 2018 compared to the same period last year.
Petrochemicals’ production to be most important growth driver for global oil demand up to 2030, says McKinsey expert
Interviewed by Petrochemicals Europe, Jasper van de Staaij, Manager, McKinsey Energy Insights and leader of the Global Energy Perspective team, points out that the petrochemicals sector will be the most important growth driver for global oil demand, adding four of seven MMb/d oil demand growth between 2020 and 2030.
Improving air quality through better, cleaner and more efficient fuels
Higher performing (high octane) fuels such as fuel ethers play a significant role in mitigating air pollution today. Using fuel ethers as blending components of petrol increases its performance and reduces emissions that impact human health and the environment.
Regulation does shape profitability
In an article written for Chemistry Today, Dorothee Arns, Executive Director of Petrochemicals Europe, explains why streamlining EU regulation is necessary to preserve the industry's competitiveness while maintaining high environment and safety standards.
The EU chemical industry regains confidence following the overall economic recovery
The updated Cefic facts and figures show that there has been a solid 3% growth of chemical output in the EU in 2017, driven by a growing demand from customer industries.
European chemical industry unites over post-Brexit future for the continent’s manufacturing backbone
On 14 November, Cefic (the European Chemical Industry Council) and CIA (the Chemical Industries Association) signed a statement.
High octane fuels to play major role in reaching EU clean mobility targets
On 9 November, the European Fuel Oxygenates Association (EFOA) welcomed the proposal for revised CO2 standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles published by the European Commission.
European institutions reach provisional compromise on EU ETS reform
On 9 November, the Council, European Parliament and European Commission have reached a provisional political deal on reforming the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS).
Chemical industry has major role to play in sustainable transition
The recently published Cefic Sustainability report and ChemistryCan website show that the chemical industry including its petrochemistry arm has an important part to play in maintaining our growth and prosperity, and in our transition to a sustainable society.
Higher octane fuels: Powering a sustainable future
The European Fuel Oxygenates Association (EFOA) has just published a leaflet showing how higher-octane fuels can help Europe achieve its transport objectives on pollutant and CO2 reduction, as well as on energy efficiency.
European Commission pushes for stronger and more innovative industry
With the publication on 13 September of a new industrial strategy for Europe, the European Commission (EC) puts industrial policy back on top of EU’s agenda.
Port of Antwerp: a world-class integrated petrochemical cluster
The port of Antwerp illustrates perfectly one of the major assets of the chemical industry in Europe: its integrated sites (“Verbund”).
Investing in R&I, key to making chemical industry low carbon by 2050 says report
A new DECHEMA study analyses how the EU’s chemical sector can become low-carbon by 2050. It shows that although most of the low-carbon technologies are already available, they require huge investments in research and innovation to improve processes and make them competitive.
Why join the (petro-) chemical industry
Petrochemicals Europe has just adopted a position paper highlighting the benefits of working for an industry that builds the future.
Providing essential building blocks for a sustainable future
In interview to the Polish Chemistry magazine, Dorothée Arns, Petrochemicals Europe's Executive Director explains why petrochemistry is at the bottom of a house of cards for the European chemical industry and the overall economy.
European chemical industry’s commitment to Paris agreement
Following on from US President Trump’s announcement that he will withdraw from the Paris agreement, Cefic, the European chemical industry association, published a statement reiterating its commitment to a strong global climate change agreement.
NMP producers urge downstream users to participate in EU consultation
Downstream users are strongly encouraged to participate by 2nd June in the European Commission (EC)'s public consultation on NMP classification to prevent it from being included in the REACH authorisation list.
Petrochemicals make things happen
In an article written for Chemistry Today, Dorothee Arns, Petrochemicals Europe's Executive Director, explains the importance of the industry in EU's economy and the macroeconomic factors shaping it.
Innovation is key to Europe’s petrochemical industry future, says academic
In an interview, Samuele Furfari, Professor at the ULB, the French-speaking university of Brussels, explains why technological evolution drives geopolitics and not the other way round.
Report confirms European petrochemicals’ competitive disadvantage
The latest Cefic chemical trends’ report shows that European petrochemicals did not benefit during the first two months of 2017 contrary to the rest of the chemical industry from the expected global economic recovery.
Energy-intensive industry’s alliance calls for fair EU ETS
Cefic, to which Petrochemicals Europe belongs, signed together with 16 other associations representing energy-intensive sectors a statement urging EU decision-makers to reform the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) in such a way that it preserves the European industry’s competitiveness.
European solvents industry group (ESIG) revamps its website
With its modernized and mobile-friendly design, the new website of ESIG provides a lot of information on the use of solvents by downstream users, regulators, EU policy-makers and the general public.
Accenture publishes report on circular economy in the European chemical sector
Accenture has published a new report that demonstrates the potential of the EU chemical industry to be a driver for the success of the circular economy.
Oil demand for petrochemicals expected to grow significantly, says IEA expert
Interviewed by Petrochemicals Europe, Tae-Yoon Kim, Energy Analyst at the IEA and one of the World Energy Outlook 2016 (WEO)'s authors points out that oil demand for petrochemicals will continue to grow up to 2040, because few technologically and economically viable alternatives to fossil feedstock are available.
Petrochemicals Europe welcomes rejection by Council of EU ETS tiered approach
The EU Council carried out this week negotiations on the Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Reform of EU Emissions Trading on the way: EU chemical industry welcomes positive vote on EU ETS
Brussels, 15 February 2017 – Cefic congratulates the European Parliament under the leadership of MEP Ian Duncan, on the result of today's Plenary vote on the EU Emissions Trading System.
New Cefic specialty chemicals website goes live
Brussels, 7 February 2017 – Cefic has launched a new website focusing on specialty chemicals, to respond to the growing demand for information. Specialty chemical clusters represent over 50 sectors of the European fine and consumer chemicals industry, and its membership counts more than 80% small- to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs).
No to discrimination: Chemical industry calls for fair emissions trading system
Brussels, 3 February 2017 – Ahead of a plenary vote on 14 February, the EU chemical industry calls for a fair reform of Europe’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) together with other affected European manufacturing industries.
Time to put industry at the heart of the Energy Union
Brussels, 2 February 2017 – If EU lawmakers want to truly champion a clean energy revolution, the role of Europe’s manufacturing industry as energy producer and consumer will be a key success factor, said Cefic, reacting to Vice-President Sefcovic’s State of the Energy Union speech.
IMPROVING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: A Guide to Best Practices for the Global Petrochemical Industry (2017)
The European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) has just published its annual report on diversity and inclusion in the petrochemical industry.
EU chemicals business confidence improves slightly
According to the monthly Cefic Chemicals Trends Report of January 2017, output in the EU chemicals sector saw no growth during the first eleven months of 2016 compared to the same period one year ago.
Petrochemical industry makes significant contribution to EU Circular Economy
Petrochemicals Europe adopted in December 2016 a Position Paper welcoming the EU Commission´s circular economy concept.
Officials Offer Downstream Predictions for 2017
Dorothee Arns, Executive Director, Petrochemicals Europe, European Council of the Chemical Industry (Cefic), Brussels, Belgium “The regulatory and legislative outlook for the downstream industry...
Europe has started resisting against competition from North America
Confronted with a dynamic petrochemical industry in North America, the European petrochemical industry has been investing for years to modernize the sector. This strategy includes among other things the integration of production sites to maintain competitiveness on the market. Source: Infochimie magazine read more (available only in French)
EU chemical industry reacts to Winter Package
Cefic, the EU chemical industry association, welcomes the ‘Winter Package’, launched by the European Commission on November 30. However, “It is markets, not targets that will drive change", said Marco Mensink, Cefic Director General. read more
The Chemical Industry, stable in turbulent times
Cefic's latest economic report shows the continuing resilience of the EU chemical sector as it turns to new commercial pathways. Key announcements stressing the need for an investment friendly and attractive Europe were made during the 2016 General Assembly. read more >>
Cefic unveils Responsible Care Industry Award winners
On the occasion of its 2016 General Assembly which took place in Florence, Cefic announced on October 7th the winners of this year's prestigious European Responsible Care Awards. Recognising the top achievers in the EU chemical industry towards excellence in health, safety and environmental standards. read more >>
Ongoing regulatory pressure on petrochemicals
Dorothee ARNS gave an interview on the ongoing regulatory pressure on the European petrochemical industry at the 50th annual European Petrochemical Association (EPCA). Listen to the interview.
Petrochemicals: room for growth?
Dorothee Arns talks to Platts Petrochemicals on how to improve the competitiveness of the pretrochemicals industry in Europe; the regulatory burden; the EU Cost Cumulative Assessment; the impact of Brexit. Listen to the interview
Live: EU begins to talk life after UK
The negotiations haven't even started yet, with the now infamous Article 50 yet to be triggered by Theresa May's government. Things are starting to take shape and the news will come thick and fast. Follow EurActiv's live feed for all the latest developments and talking points.
Dead or alive? European business will keep fighting for TTIP
Senior business representatives, including Rene van Sloten, Cefic Executive Director for Industrial Policy, defended the need to conclude TTIP. Said van Sloten, "Trade already takes place with or without TTIP. But with TTIP in place, SMEs would benefit with reduced red tape.
A possible Blueprint for EU Rulemaking?
Dorothee Arns talked to US-based DownstreamToday on the outcome of the Commission study on the benefits of EU Chemical Legislation. Read the interview.
BDO Webinar – Save the date
The BDO & Derivatives sector group organises on 19 October a Webinar addressing the "Voluntary code to control BDO/GBL supply chain". Agenda and Registration form available on the BDO web page.
European Market Review 2015
Find out how ethylene, propylene benzene and their derivatives performed in Europe in 2015. For the first time since January 2015 Turkey has submitted data for some substances. Read more
Chemical industry key enabler for future EU transport sector
The European Commission published its strategy to decarbonise the EU transport sector. Cefic has welcomed it as offering important potential for new innovation and markets for the EU chemical industry as we develop low carbon technology solutions.
New Commission study shows high regulatory costs for EU chemical industry
A new Commission study on the total cost of EU legislation for Europe's chemical companies shows a doubling of costs between 2004 and 2014, amounting to about 10 billion euro per year.
EU Chemicals Industry flat production growth
According to the monthly Cefic Chemicals Trends Report July 2016 the EU Chemicals industry is still experiencing flat production growth in first 4 months of 2016.
Petrochemical Production Statistics Q1 2016
Western Europe Production stats Q1 2016 for ethylene, propylene and butadiene increased by an average 12% vs Q1 2015. Check table
Register Now: Cefic REACH networking event supports best practice in chemical safety
On Friday 1 July 2016, Cefic welcomes a core group of stakeholders for a REACH event to share the latest information on REACH and unite delegates from companies, associations, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), the European Commission, and competent authorities to exchange views and experiences .
Low oil price did not solve structural problems
Attending Polska Chemia Congress, D Arns talks about the challenges facing the EU petrochemical industry https://youtu.be/n7P-VrhviPI.
Joint industry statement examines EU Commission s proposal on endocrine disruptors
In response to the EU Commission’s publication of its proposal for a definition of endocrine disruptors (EDs), a joint statement was launched today by the EU chemical industry council (Cefic) together with PlasticsEurope and the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA).
Economic report shows major role of TTIP for EU chemical SMEs
Brussels, June 6, 2016 – The latest figures from Cefic demonstrate the growing importance of the United States as a trading partner for future prospects. This underlines the need to conclude an ambitious TTIP without delay.
Setting the right criteria for endocrine disruptors
Achieving regulatory clarity on endocrine disruptors is in everyone's interest. Cefic analyses the setting of the right criteria to identify endocrine disruptors. Read more.
New Emissions Trading System draft report recognises but doesn t address industry challenges
Brussels, June 1, 2016 – This week Ian Duncan MEP released his draft report with proposals for much needed reform of Europe’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which aims to reduce industrial carbon emissions.
China Petrochemicals Summit
Guest speaker Dorothee Arns delivering today on interconnections between economic and environmental trends at China Petrochemicals Summit
Chemical safety in the circular economy is ‘non-negotiable’
Brussels, May 26, 2016 – Chemical safety in the circular economy is non-negotiable - this is the view expressed by Peter Smith, Executive Director of Product Stewardship at Cefic during a live panel debate at the Helsinki Chemical Forum today.
Total CEO: Europe needs independent carbon market regulator
The chief executive of French oil and gas giant Total -Patrick Pouyanne- has said Europe needs an independent carbon market regulator with clear objectives rather than the current mix of state administrators and the European Commission that has complicated the market.
Challenges & Opportunities for an Energy Efficient Europe
On 21 June, Cefic will unite EU policymakers, senior industry representatives and important stakeholders to discuss the upcoming review of the Energy Efficiency Directive at a dedicated workshop at the Brussels Press Club.
EU chemical industry spells out proposals for enhancing EU policy
Cefic launched three new proposals highlighting how the European Commission’s Better Regulation Agenda can better support growth and innovation in Europe.
New report shows rising challenges for competitiveness of EU chemicals
A new report shows that despite growing global demand for chemicals and better environmental and energy efficiency performance of the European chemical industry, the competitive pressures on the sector continue to rise.
Is it possible to reduce CO2 emissions and grow the global economy?
Yale Environment 360: Surprising new statistics show that the world economy is expanding while global carbon emissions remain at the same level. Is it possible that the elusive ‘decoupling’ of emi...
Petrochemicals Production Statistics
Statistics for calendar year 2015 available here for production of ethylene, propylene, butadiene in EU15 + NO.
Safety Assessment of Solvents Webinar
Register to the free webinar "Safety Assessment of Solvents for consumer use with EGRET v2", 7 April 3.00 pm CET
Jury announced for EU 12th Responsible Care awards: Apply now!
Cefic is pleased to announce the line-up for this year’s jury, who will select a winner for the 12th edition of the European Responsible Care Awards.
Let’s not waste the chance: Cefic calls for ambitious Waste Framework Directive
Brussels, March 23rd 2016 - A new Cefic position paper points to missed opportunities in the proposed reform of the Waste Directive to enhance implementation of the Circular Economy and benefit business and the environment.
Reforming the EU ETS: Let s go for a competitive and innovative Europe
The EU is currently working on reforms to its Emissions Trading System (ETS) for 2021-30. A clear vision is essential to reach Europe’s ambitious climate goals while supporting competition and innovation.
European innovation pathway critical following Paris climate agreement
A report published on the impact of the Paris Agreement concluded during COP21 on Europe’s chemical industry points to a need for a clear and coherent vision for innovation towards the low carbon economy.
Talking today at Platts Petchem Conference
Dorothee Arns is part of the panel discussion on the regulatory landscape of the petrochemical industry at Platts Petrochemicals Conference in Amsterdam.
EU40 Workshop
Dorothee Arns meeting today with ENVI/ITRE Assistants and Policy Advisor to talk about "Petrochemistry's relevance in the 21 Century". Read more...
EU chemicals sector facing flat growth in 2015
Brussels, February 25th 2016, In the midst of challenges for the competitiveness of the EU chemical industry, the latest monthly Cefic Chemical Trends Report shows a mixed outlook.
Cefic welcomes EU Council Declaration on Competitiveness
Brussels, February 24th 2016, Cefic welcomes the European Declaration on Competitiveness adopted by the European Council and points to a number of factors that will be essential for its success. This is particularly critical as the competitiveness of Europe’s chemical industry faces increasing pressure.
Public consultation on energy efficiency
In its response, Cefic urges a balanced approach taking into account the significant achievements of the chemical industry towards increasing its own and other sectors’ energy efficiency.
Cefic debates potential of ETS to deliver on low carbon future
In advance of highly anticipated discussions on the Commission’s proposals to reform Europe’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), Cefic took the opportunity to sit together with Bas Eickhout, MEP and Peter Zapfel from DG Climate, to look at ETS’ chances of delivering on the promise of December’s Paris agreement.
Cefic Joins Live Debate on Emissions Trading System (ETS) Reforms: 26 January, 1PM CET
Ahead of negotiations to reform the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) for after 2020, Chris Scott-Wilson, Director of Public Affairs for Cefic, will join MEP Ian Duncan as well as Yvon Slingenberg, Senior Advisor, Cabinet of Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, Climate Action & Energy, for a live panel debate.
Latest EU chemicals trends report now available
European chemicals production followed a flat trajectory, overall the trade surplus rose by €1.7bn while employment in the industry rose slightly, the second consecutive quarter of sector job growth*.
SPiCE3 energy efficiency project gets green light for phase 2
Cefic is pleased to announce a fresh investment round to support an innovative project designed to help European chemical companies to improve their energy efficiency.
Cefic announces new Director General, Marco Mensink
“We are pleased to welcome Marco Mensink on board and are confident he will build on the success of Hubert Mandery..
2016 Expectations for the Downstream
Oil and gas experts summarizing for Downstream Europe their predictions for 2016. "2015 Reloaded" says Dorothee Arns. See attached article, item 8.
Economic Outlook 2016 | European chemical industry forecast 1% growth for 2016
Cefic calls on policymakers to support conditions for long term growth
COP21 – Adopted agreement
The adopted agreement includes emission reductions based on national pledges to be reviewed every 5 years. The aim is for below 2C° and towards 1.5°C.
COP21 – European chemical industry congratulates governments on conclusions
After two weeks of negotiations, world leaders have put their signatures to a landmark agreement to cap carbon emissions in an unprecedented effort to keep global temperature rises below 2° Celsius by the end of the century.
COP21 agreement to stimulate innovation
COP21 provides the opportunity to remove current regulatory imbalances between the regions and create a fairer framework, says D Arns. Read more
What does the chemical industry expect from COP21?
Chemical industry leaders talk COP 21. Watch their video interview.
Flat output growth and low prices continue to impact chemicals sales
European chemical output grew just 0.3 per cent during the first eight months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report, while producer prices fell 4.5 per cent, year-on-year.
UN climate summit to go ahead after Paris attacks
The French government vowed to push on with the United Nations climate summit in Paris starting this month and will boost security for the more than 120 world leaders […]
PEFTEC 2015 Industry Event 18 November
Petrochemicals Europe presenting at PEFTEC 2015 on "The petrochemical Industry in Europe: industrial emission and the BREF process."
European chemical industry chiefs back a strong global climate change agreement
On november 5th, 2015 leaders of Cefic, the European chemical industry association, published a signed letter in the Financial Times expressing its firm support for government’s efforts to secure a strong, globally binding climate change agreement at COP21 in Paris.
Dorothee Arns invited at AIChE Lecture Dinner
On 5 November D Arns will be addressing the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) on the occasion of a lecture dinner meeting. Her speech will focus on "The European petrochemical industry - an industry at the crossroads." Download the AIChE Invitation
REACH legislation: beyond 2018
Cefic welcomes the joint initiative taken by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council and some EU member states to kick-start the reflection on the future of REACH
Petrochemicals Industry committed to Climate Targets
"A lot of investments could be required to meet new environmental targets" says D Arns to ICIS. ICIS Interview 20151910
FUEL magazine feature article
D Arns contributes to US-based magazine FUEL to article "From Molecules to Products: Petrochemicals' Global Rise" FUELMag
Oil prices alone do not solve EU’s problems
"The oil price drop will not solve Europe's competitiveness challenges" says D Arns to ICIS. Listen to the interview on YouTube.
Oil prices do not solve EU’s problems
The oil price drop will not solve Europe's competitiveness challenges says D Arns to ICIS. Listen to the interview on YouTube
Competitiveness Council on ETS reform
Cefic President Jean-Pierre Clamadieu calls upon EU ministers to make the reformed EU ETS compatible with a competitive European industry
Energy Sources Diversification?
POLITICO Europe talked with Dorothee Arns on the diversification of energy sources in Europe, including gas supply. https://vimeo.com/140225620
United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015
Cefic is looking forward to the adoption of a new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by UN member states at a Summit on 25-27 September, replacing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which expire this year.
Sluggish growth for EU chemicals sector
European chemical output grew just 0.2 per cent during the first half of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 Cefic Chemicals Trends Report 26 August
Maximising Propylene Yields Conference
Petrochemicals Europe as a speaker on the global feedstock challenges and opportunities. Frankfurt, 9-10 September. More info about the event
Cefic and Together For Sustainability
The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and Together for
Sustainability AISBL have established an official partnership ...
Little fresh thinking in Commission ETS reform proposals, says Cefic
Cefic is disappointed with the Commission’s proposals for reforming the EU Emissions Trading System, unveiled on July 15.
UK Chemicals healthiest in Europe
UK chemical sector production is set to grow by a healthy 2.5% this year, fuelled by strong domestic demand growth and export mark says UK Trade Group CIA
Stagnant growth for the EU chemicals sector
European chemical output grew just 0.3 per cent during the first four months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, says Cefic.
Sustainable Chemistry in Action: A close look at how science can change the world for the better
Science and sustainable chemistry has had an enormous impact on the development of a healthier and more sustainable and prosperous society...
Cefic voices support for an international climate change agreement
In just six months’ time, COP-21, the United Nations climate change conference, will start in Paris. The talks are expected to deliver an international climate change agreement covering all countries.
IEA: Energy emissions can peak 10 years early, if fossil fuels targeted
Peak energy emissions could be reached early, the IEA has said. Read more ...
Bayer MaterialScience To Be Named Covestro
Branding: The new company should be independent by mid-2016
EU chemicals output stagnates as prices fall
European chemical output grew just 0.1 per cent during the first two months of 2015, latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report says.
2015 Global Petrochemicals Conference
Petrochemicals Europe addressing the audience of the GPC on June 10 in Düsseldorf on the industry's regulatory environment.
TTIP: Landing the right deal
AmCham EU and Cefic hosted on May 12 a joint event on The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
EMEA Aromatics & Olefins Conference
Taking place in Athens on June 9-10, this IHS event is support by Petrochemicals Europe.
US Shale Gas Advantage Will Hold, ACC Chief Says
US chemical producers remain upbeat on their shale gas cost advantage, despite recent steep declines in the price of crude oil.
Cefic sells ReachCentrum to ERM
Cefic subsidiary ReachCentrum has been acquired by Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
EU chemicals output stagnant in 2014
Trade surplus in 2014 contracts from all-time high.
EU ETS pushes emissions down five per cent
New European Union figures suggest greenhouse gas emissions policed by the EU’s carbon trading platform dropped by nearly five per cent last year despite a 1.3 per cent growth in GDP. Preliminary figures from the European Commission appeared to show ...
Chemical connections
New Cefic brochure explores promise of global chemicals trade.
Global Refining and Petrochemicals Summit 2015
One of the key speakers to this event will be Dr W Mirabella, Chairman of the EFOA Fuels Team who will address the audience on "The Role Of Fuel-Ethers As High-Performance Gasoline Blend-Stocks".
Stagnant growth in 2014 for EU chemicals sector
EU chemicals output edged ahead just 0.3 per cent in 2014 on a year-on-year basis, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
Strenghts and weaknesses of the petrochemical industry
Platts interviewed Dorothee Arns on the strenghts and weaknesses of the petrochemical industry in Europe. Listen to the podcast
IEA releases Oil Market Report for February
With OPEC and non-OPEC output already slowed, cut in cap-ex seen lowering 2015 non-OPEC supply growth outlook
ETBE remains the favoured gasoline bio-component – Producer
LONDON (ICIS)--Ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) remains the bio-component of choice for gasoline blenders because it continues to offer better...
INEOS slams Environmental Audit Committee Report on Fracking
INEOS, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, today hit out at the Environmental Audit Committee’s (EAC) proposal to call a halt to Shale gas development in the UK.
Providing a sustainable future
An editorial from Cefic President Jean-Pierre Clamadieu
New European Chemical industry facts and figures 2014!
Find out the most up-to-date market information based on currently available data about the Chemical Sector.
Read more
EU chemicals sector grew modestly in the first ten months of 2014
European chemical output edged up just 0.7 per cent during the first ten months of 2014, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
Q3 2014 Production Statistics
Ethylene, Propylene and Butadiene production statistics for Q3 2014 available now in our Facts & Figures section.
Drop in Europe December ethanolamines contracts less than ethylene
LONDON (ICIS)--European ethanolamines contract prices have fallen a moderate amount for December, but price decreases have been limited by poor...
EU chemicals sector grew modestly in the first nine months of 2014
Capacity utilisation highest in three years, employment up for third consecutive quarter.
Shale gas extraction
Issues of specific concerns within the debate about the exploitation of Europe's shale gas potential. EASAC report.
Maximising Propylene Yields
How to face forthcoming propylene shortage? How to bridge the supply gap? Petrochemicals Europe to take part in the Conference 9-10 December in Frankfurt.
Chemical industry guarded about its European future
SPECIAL REPORT: The European chemical sector has issued a “very serious” warning about its slumping competitiveness, but refuses to be alarmist just yet, saying shareholders should not worry, that big industrial groups are now global, and less exposed to Europe.
Industry alliance releases new manifesto
Industry groups, including Cefic, lists seven priorities for EU policy leaders to act on.
New study shows decline in EU chemicals sector global competitiveness
Low-cost energy, innovation key in addressing EU market share ‘dilution’ and in reversing export decline.
Shale Energy Revolution
Shale Development Educational Resources published by the American Fuels & Petroleum Manufacturers (AFMP) provides comprehensive information on the impact of Shale.
New website for Propylene Glycols
The Propylene Glycol website has been thoroughly revamped: a new look, new DPG section, extended FAQ, etc
MEP seeks to use ETS fix to help industry
Carbon leakage provisions should be strengthened after 2020 to protect industrial competitiveness after the ETS is fixed, according to one of the EU lawmakers leading work on ETS reform.
Output stalls for EU chemicals sector in first seven months 2014
European chemicals production was flat in the first seven months of 2014, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
IEA releases Oil Market Report for October
Reduced economic outlook contributes to cut in global oil demand growth outlook, even as output surges
Q2 2014 Production Statistics
Petrochemicals production data for Western Europe + NO available now.
IHS expects global petrochemical demand to outpace GDP
IHS Chemical expects global demand to rise for certain petrochemical building blocks. more
More than a new name
"The petrochemicals industry has a significant impact on EU economy" says D Arns in an interview with Downstream Today. Read more.
Petrochemicals Flowchart Revamped
Petrochemicals Europe's flowchart informs the public on the vital role of petrochemicals in everyday life.
Western European market review
The data covering year 2013 ethylene, propylene and benzene consumption, production and trade balance is now available.
Chemicals safety in the value chain
What has the industry been doing and continues to do in order to ensure its products are handled and used safely at every step? Cefic shows in this video "How the European chemical industry manages safe use of chemicals".
EU chemicals sector sluggish in first half 2014
Contractions in May, June drag on mid-year performance.
Commodity Pulse: Metals and petrochemicals lead the way for changes in automotive input costs
After years of recession, the increasingly globalised automotive industry is expanding into fertile new markets. Platts editors analyze the challenges car makers face, the impact of steel prices, and the effects of narrowing price spreads on tire makers.
INEOS moves into UK shale gas exploration
INEOS has today announced it is making its first move into the shale exploration arena, with the purchase of a 51% share of the shale section of a joint Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL) in the UK.
EU Chemicals output up 1.8 per cent during first five months of year
The data from May, however, show EU chemicals output declining on the back of eight successive months of positive growth. Petrochemicals output also continued to slide. Cefic Chemicals Trends Report, July 2014.
Jobs and Growth
As already circulated to MEPs in Strasbourg, find out Cefic's key messages to ensure the competitiveness of the chemical industry in the EU. Jobs and growth start with the real economy July15 2014
Bio Based Industries JTI: A Major Advance towards the Bioeconomy
Today (July 9) the European Technology Platform (ETP) for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem) welcomes the launch of the Bio Based Industries Joint Technology Initiative (BBI JTI). This major Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) represents a significant step forward to the realisation of a European bioeconomy.
New booklet explores chemicals safety
Cefic released this week a new brochure that aims to raise people’s awareness about the importance of chemical products in their daily lives.
Q1 2014 Production data
Western European petrochemicals production data highest since Q3 2011.
EU chemicals sector expands for eighth consecutive month
EU chemicals output expanded in April, continuing a stretch of above trend year-on-year monthly growth that started in September 2013, according to the Cefic Chemicals Trends Report released today.
Chemical industry benefits from general economic recovery
EU chemicals output will grow by 2.0% this year, driven by rising demand from customer industries.
Low-carbon technologies key to meeting EU emissions targets
While energy-efficiency gains are needed to lower Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, low-carbon technologies are also crucial if we are to meet ambitious EU emissions targets in the long term, new comparative research concludes.
“Petrochemicals Europe” unveiled
New brand name for the Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe.
INEOS wins Petrochemicals Award
INEOS has won the prestigious “Outstanding Contribution to the Chemical Industry Award” at the 2nd annual Petrochemicals Awards of Excellence.
Producers confident that MTBE is not an endocrine disruptor
EFOA believes a full review of the substance's REACH registration due in 2014 will conclude that MTBE is not an endocrine disruptor.
EU chemicals sector grows for fourth consecutive quarter
European chemicals quarterly output increased for the fourth consecutive time, according to the Cefic Chemicals Trends Report released on May 27.
Global Petrochemicals Conference
Addressing the audience on "The European petrochemical industry in challenging times", Dorothee Arns is a keynote speaker at this Global Petrochemicals conference on 3 June in Berlin.
EU chemicals sector expands for fourth consecutive month
EU chemicals sales rise, but remain below pre-crisis levels.
Commission unveils overhaul of renewable energy subsidies
New guidelines will ease the burden of increasing prices on intensive industry.
Op-Ed: TTIP – a remarkable opportunity
EurActiv published on March 31an op-ed by Cefic Director General Hubert Mandery on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
Petrochemicals infographic: Global polyethylene trade flows
Platts petrochemical analysis team have joined forces with our design & production department to produce what we think is a beautifully crafted infographic on global trade flows for polyethylene. It also details surplus and deficit totals and includes key trend points, statistics and forecasts going out all the way to 2023.
EU-China strategic partnership ‘paves way’ for more cooperation
With Chinese president Xi Jinping visiting Brussels at the end of March, Rajnish Singh takes a look at cooperation between Beijing and the European Union
Aromatics website gets a facelift
Located at www.aromaticsonline.eu the new website of the Aromatics Producers Association contains up-to-date information on the science and the chemistry behind aromatics, their major fields of applications, the sustainable development of aromatics and much more besides.
Building efficiency sector: The 2030 debate was a set-up
The EU’s climate establishment rigged the debate on 2030 targets with stacked projections for energy efficiency savings discounts, and wildly optimistic assumptions about the carbon market, according to buildings efficiency industry and NGO sources.
Open Letter to Mr José Manuel Barroso,
Strategically, and economically, no large economy should abandon its chemical industry. Open Letter to Mr José Manuel Barroso, President European Commission
European renewable energy lobby liquidated
The dissolution of EREC after a decade in existence comes as the Commission has proposed to scrap renewable-energy targets after 2020.
EU chemicals output growth flat in 2013
Year ends with overall strong December, despite petrochemicals contraction.
Latest Facts & Figures report now available
Cefic released this month its latest Facts and Figures report, providing the most up-to-date information about the EU chemicals sector.
Energy efficiency boosts competitiveness
European industry is decoupling its performance from energy consumption.
Chemicals sector faces fragile recovery
Output expands in November despite steep drop in petrochemicals.
Evonik’s Oil Additives Team Publishes New Product Application Guide
Evonik’s oil additives team has created a product application guide as a new tool for its customers to aid in the selection of its oil ...
MEPs’ 2030 vote should be based on fact, not fiction
The real competitiveness of Europe’s industry depends on reducing energy intensity levels, not killing investment in the green collar jobs of tomorrow, argues Monica Frassoni, president of the European Alliance to Save Energy.
Commission misses opportunity to marry industrial, energy and climate policies
Cefic provides statement on a series of EU Commission policy papers released on industrial, energy and climate change.
Cefic supports Commission shale gas strategy
Exploration and production of unconventional gas must now move ahead.
Commission plans structural reform of ETS
EU to set up ‘stability reserve’ that will automatically withhold or add allowances at set price levels.
Commission prepares guidelines on shale gas
Plan to propose legislation harmonising rules on fracking to be scrapped in favour of non-binding advice.
EU chemical industry faces fragile recovery
EU chemicals production in October expanded by 1.8 per cent compared to the year prior, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report released on January 9.
Total ‘to invest in UK shale gas’
French oil and gas company Total is to invest in the UK's shale gas industry, it is to be announced on Monday.
Big EU guns fire for crucial 2030 renewable targets
Ministers from eight EU states - including Germany and France - have called on the European Commission to set “robust” renewable energy targets for 2030, in a break with an emerging consensus for one emissions-cutting goal alone.
Op-ed: Serious about European competitiveness? Go for shale gas.
An opinion piece by Cefic Director General Hubert Mandery looks at the debate on shale gas and how it can help Europe remain competitive.
Chemicals sector applauds EU Horizon 2020 launch
Cefic welcomes the launch today of Horizon 2020 through its first calls by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, and applauds this ambitious commitment by the EU to fund excellent science and innovation activities in Europe.
EU chemicals industry out of recession, but recovery fragile
EU chemicals production expanded in September by 0.7 per cent compared to the year prior, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
MEPs call for immediate release of air package
Read more...
Ineos to Expand Norway Petchem Plant Capacity, Build Furnace
Ineos is building a new furnace at its petrochemical plant in Rafnes, Norway as it expands capacity to use ethane made from U.S. shale gas it will store in a tank under construction at the site, the chemicals and refinery company said on Tuesday.
First-ever joint Responsible Care, SPICE3 conference held
Event attendees see roll-out of new website for SPiCE³ energy efficiency programme.
EU Chemistry Employment Survey
In which European country do chemists and chemical engineers enjoy the highest salary? Where are the best prospects for employment? And which of the various chemical sub-disciplines offer the most jobs?
BASF Produces First Commercial Renewable Butanediol
BASF has begun offering its first commercial volumes of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) produced from renewable raw material produced with dextrose-based fermentation technology licensed from U.S. bioplastics producer Genomatica.
Study: Insulation could save industry ¬3.5 billion a year
EXCLUSIVE / Better insulation could shave 4% off European industry’s total fuel consumption and emissions bill, a sum worth €3.5 billion a year, says an unpublished report by the Ecofys consultancy.
EU in new push to revive the carbon market
EU diplomats agreed to begin talks on a legal text to slash permit supply and prop up carbon prices in the bloc's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), marking a big step forward for the divisive proposal.
Modest deal breaks UN climate talks deadlock
Avoiding a last-minute breakdown, annual United Nations climate talks have limped forward with a modest set of decisions meant to pave the way for a new pact to fight global warming. More than 190 countries agreed in the Polish capital, ...
The shale revolution’s global footprint
The shale-energy revolution that started in the US is causing sweeping changes worldwide.
Biofuel reform in trouble
MEPs must choose between accepting a weak Council position on control of biofuel or handing the issue to the next Parliament
Global Carbon Emissions Rise to New Record In 2013
Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels will rise to a record 36 billion tons this year, a report by 49 researchers from 10 countries said, showing the failure of governments to rein in the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming. The report by the Global Carbon Project, which compiles data from research institutes worldwide each year, was published in the journal Earth Systems Data Discussions on Tuesday.
EU chemicals sector output drops 1.1 per cent during first eight months of year
EU chemicals confidence improves in October, third quarter capacity utilisation increases to 79.2 per cent
of 2013 compared with the same period in 2012, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report released on November 8.
ICIS Innovation Awards 2013 Result
The winners of the ICIS Innovation Awards for 2013 have been announced. The awards were launched in 2004 and celebrated their tenth anniversary this year. The overall winner is selected from the winners of five individual categories (see below) and for 2013 the winning company is the Cabot Corporation.
Member states give support to ETS ‘backloading’ plan
Proposal was delayed because of split in German cabinet.
CO2: A Future, Renewable Feedstock?
The chemical industry's use of CO2 as a renewable resource can support EU chemical sector sustainable development and future competitiveness, said Dr. Gernot Klotz, Executive Director Research and Innovation at Cefic. Klotz addressed the importance of carbon dioxide as a renewable resource that can be considered a key strategy to support the European chemical sector's sustainable development and future competitiveness.
First-ever Responsible Care energy efficiency award granted
Scottish operation awarded for strong record in reaching greater energy efficiency.
Petrochemicals sector feels the pressure
The closure of Grangemouth highlights how an industry dogged by slow demand, overcapacity and high costs is struggling to compete
SPiCE3 energy-efficiency project adds partners
Cefic welcomes French and Spanish chemical industry associations as cooperating partners to the SPiCE³ project.
EIA to release initial shale well productivity report this week
The Energy Information Administration this week will start releasing monthly drilling productivity reports covering shale oil -More-
EIP Water Conference Innovating Water
The first conference of the European Innovation Partnership on Water (EIP Water) entitled “Networking and Interacting – Innovating Water” will be held in Brussels on 21 November 2013.
Shale gas firms to be brought under robust new EU law
EXCLUSIVE / Shale gas companies operating in Europe will soon have to respect a muscular legislative package which the European Commission is preparing to publish in December or January, EurActiv has learned.
Biofuel reform delayed indefinitely
Legislation will most likely pass into a second reading.
Chemistry remains at heart of EU Smart Cities agenda
Chemistry-based products for energy efficiency in buildings to play a critical role in Strategic Implementation Plan for Smart Cities and Communities
Germany wins backing of EU ministers to block car emissions law
EU environment ministers agreed yesterday (15 October) to German demands to scrap an agreement to cap EU car emissions that Berlin argued would cost jobs and damage its premium auto makers.
CO2 is a Resource for the Future of Europe
The Second Conference on CO2 as Feedstock for Chemistry and Polymers took place in Essen, Germany on 7 – 9 October 2013. The conference discussed a new paradigm for industrial chemical production...
Graeme Sweeney: We must reset our approach to CCS
Recent setbacks for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology underline the need for realistic ambition, innovative funding and urgent regulatory action, argues Graeme Sweeney. Graeme Sweeney...
MEPs demand shale gas impact assessments
Vote narrowly in favour of environmental impact assessments for fracking projects.
Shale gas firms face EU methane emissions regulation
Shale gas companies operating in Europe will soon have to monitor, log and account for methane emissions at drill sites or else face regulation, the EU’s top climate officer has said.
The amount of methane released into the atmosphere during shale gas drills is disputed, with one new industry-funded report suggesting it could be less than previously thought.
2013 Nobel Prize In Chemistry
Awards: Karplus, Levitt, and Warshel honored for modeling complex chemical systems
EU chemicals sector output drops 1.4 per cent during first seven months of year
EU chemicals production decreased by 1.4 per cent during the first seven months of 2013 compared with the same period in 2012, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
EU closing in on 20% emissions reduction target
EU on course to hit 2020 carbon targets, but some individual states in danger of falling behind in renewables and efficiency sectors
Europe must ‘fundamentally reform’ its climate policy
With Europe's dependence on energy and raw materials increasing, there is an urgent need to overhaul the EU's climate policies, writes Konrad Szymanski
IPCC carbon budget sets countries tough challenge
For the first time UN scientists have set a limit on the amount of greenhouse gases that can be released - but is there a short-term alternative?
Grangemouth applies for guarantee to convert to shale
Ineos says future of chemical plant threatened by decline of North Sea gas, its main raw material, and it could close by 2017 if plan does not go ahead
IPCC Scientist: Climate change will hit Europe s competitiveness
One of the lead authors of a key UN climate report launched on Friday (27 September) has told EurActiv that Europe’s business competitiveness would be badly hit by global warming of the sort most scientists now believe is likely to arise this century.
Shale gas boom prompts LyondellBasell to move R&D center to Texas
The booming shale natural gas development in the U.S. -More-
Lord Stern: It would be absurd to underestimate climate change risks
The IPCC report shows the risks are 'immense', and it would be unscientific to ignore the evidence, says the economist.The latest international assessment of climate science makes it crystal clear the risks are "immense"...
Fifth European Innovation Summit to put Innovation at the Heart of Europe
Every year, the Knowledge4Innovation association (K4I) - a group of MEPs who believe that innovation is vital to creating economic growth and jobs in Europe - gather together all the most important players in this area for a three-day event that aims to put innovation at the centre of the political debate.
MEPs back biofuel cap, but fail to secure a mandate for talks
Commission proposal wins narrow approval.
The global outlook for styrene (podcast)
Platts petrochemical team delves into the outlook for styrene prices, especially global supply constraints and what makes styrene a safe bet for 2013.
Uncertainty over Parliament biofuel vote
Vote may be delayed or sent back to committee rather than have unclear mandate in negotiations with member states.
The Big Biofuels Debate: Report
Read more...
Total’s Project for the Carling Platform’s Future
Read more...
France s Total Said to Be Eyeing Closure of Carling cracker
French petrochemicals group Total is said to be close to announcing a shutdown of its loss-making steam cracker at Carling, in northeastern France. The cracker's viability is no longer assured, due to overcapacity in the market generally and the lack of back-integration into the refinery at the site.
Carbon Dioxide for Chemistry and Polymers
For the second consecutive year, experts will gather in Germany to discuss the subject of carbon dioxide (CO2) as the feedstock of the future. This will be the biggest event on CO2 as chemical feedstock this year bringing new insights into the utilisation of carbon dioxide.
Researchers revise ‘overestimated’ biofuels subsidies
Experts, who estimated that the biofuels industry received the equivalent of a €10-billion “Cyprus bailout” in public support in 2011, have shaved the figure by a fifth.
Why the word ‘sustainability’ should be banned | Doug King
The word has become so corrupted as to not only be meaningless, but to actually obscure the real issues While the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that became all the rage some time ag...
Evonik Innovation Center recognized for sustainability
New building certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) Evonik has invested close to €17 million in the new ...
Evonik ‘Significantly’ Expanding Oil Additives in Singapore
German specialty chemicals producer Evonik said it will "significantly" expand its oil additives production at Jurong Island in Singapore by 2015 through production improvements and debottlenecking. All the measures combined will nearly double output of the site.
UN scientists need to revive climate change drive
As United Nations scientists put the final touches to the first volume of a massive report that will give the world the most detailed picture yet of climate change, they carry a heavy responsibility. Due to be unveiled in the ...
Feike Sijbesma, DSM chief
The head of the Dutch nutrition and chemicals company wants to transform global manufacturing into an environmentally sustainable activity
Cellulosic ethanol is on the brink of reaching commercial scale
Several cellulosic ethanol plants are expected to go online in the next 18 months, brightening the prospects for meeting the -More-
ETS still vulnerable to fraud – report
Carbon trading is the world's fastest growing commodity market, but Interpol says it is still underregulated.
EU-backed project taps wastewater to produce biofuel alternative
Backed by EU financing, a Spanish water company this week produced its first crop of algae that will be used to manufacture biofuel as an alternative to the more controversial crop-based transport fuels.
Saudi warning about effect of falling oil demand
Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has warned that the Persian Gulf Arab kingdom needs to reduce its reliance on crude oil and diversify its revenues. He expressed particular concern at rising United States shale energy supplies, which are cutting ...
Shale gas boom increasing chemical exports, freight tanker rates
The increase in chemical exports to Asia, spurred by U.S. -More-
EU chemicals output drops 2.1 per cent through May
EU chemicals production contracted 2.1 per cent in the first five months of 2013 on a year-on-year basis, notes latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
Cefic welcomes roadmap to improve REACH chemical safety reports and safety data sheets
ECHA has today published its roadmap to improve the REACH chemical safety reports and safety data sheets, in a joint initiative between ECHA, Member States and industry associations.
Chemicals industry joins forces with other high-tech sectors to promote growth and jobs
Chemicals industry joins forces with other high-tech sectors to push new innovation policy for Europe through the deployment of Key Enabling Technologies.
ENVI VOTE ON ILUC NOT ADDRESSING THE FULL BENEFITS OF EACH BIOFUEL
Rapporteur's report on the Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) adopted by EU Parliament's ENVI Commitee with 43 votes in favour and 26 against.
ILUC factors could jeopardise how we measure the carbon footprint of a product
As the EU seeks to address whether biofuels production increases greenhouse gas emissions and whether to tackle the issue by including indirect land use change (ILUC) factors in the environmental assessments, it has ignored the fact that ILUC can neither be observed nor measured and is therefore not a scientifically robust solution, says Matthias Finkbeiner.
European Commission takes steps to strengthen innovative chemical industry
The European Commission officially promotes large set of public-private partnerships under research and innovation program Horizon2020.
Cefic issues statement on European Parliament ETS plenary vote
Cefic responds to European Parliament plenary vote in favour of ETS backloading proposal, calling the decision detrimental to energy-intensive industries in Europe like chemicals.
Europe must invest in research, argues MEP
The EU needs to focus spending on research, not bureaucracy, writes Catherine Bearder
EU will face severe consequences if it does not support carbon capture and storage (Opinion)
Five years ago the EU was the world leader in championing carbon capture and storage (CCS) but it has since slipped from the top spot due to a lack of investment in this essential part of the EU's objective to reduce carbon emissions, writes Graeme Sweeney.
EU Commission Vice President Tajani discusses energy, raw materials costs with chemicals industry
Chemicals industry executives participated in a roundtable meeting on June 25 with EU Commissioner Antonio Tajani, EU Member States’ representatives, Commission services and other stakeholders.
Cefic launches new water management project
The chemical industry has presented a new flagship initiative to bring sustainable water use to the next level.
Commission hamstrung in Brussels buildings renovation drive (News)
SPECIAL REPORT / The Brussels Capital Region is probably the most ambitious in Europe in terms of introducing energy efficiency in buildings, industry sources tell EurActiv, but the European Commission’s ageing building stock has not yet reaped the benefits.
EU reaches deal to cut automotive carbon emissions (News)
The European Union has agreed a compromise deal to enforce stricter rules on carbon dioxide emissions for all new EU automobiles from 2020.
Germany eyes ‘green’ fracking solution
German geologists plan to campaign for greater public acceptance of hydraulic fracking in Europe's biggest economy, saying there is scope to make the shale gas industry more environmentally friendly, according to a report.
New roadmap explores technologies that improve chemical industry energy use, emissions intensity
New IEA / ICCA / DECHEMA joint report concludes that emerging and breakthrough technologies promise indispensable energy efficiency improvements.
SusChem and Smart Cities at EUSEW13
SusChem will be actively engaged at the EU’s Sustainable Energy Week 2013 (EUSEW 2013) this week (24 to 28 June). SusChem's chemistry-based key innovation proposals was a big hit at the Smart Cities Stakeholder Platform Annual Conference in Budapest and information on our Smart Cities Innovation initiatives will be available at the Smart Cities desk at the Committee of the Regions venue in Brussels....
“MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR EU BIOFUELS POLICY”
Key MEPs and European Commission representatives attended an EFOA lunch debate organised at the European Parliament on 19 June. "Making the right choices for EU Biofuels Policy” was the main theme of the debate with a special focus on the true performances of biofuels and specifically bio-ethers in terms of reduction of CO2 emissions, energy content, as well as other environ
Parliament committee votes to prop up EU’s ailing carbon market (News)
The European Parliament's Environment Committee has given its support to a compromise plan to boost the price of allowances on the EU's carbon market.
Expert: Shale gas to play big role in U.S. economic renaissance
The U.S. is on the verge of a new economic boom as the energy and manufacturing sectors see expansions, according to business writer Charles Morris. -More-
European Parliament Industry committee vote on measures to reduce ILUC effects of biofuels
The Industry (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament today voted to amend a proposal from the European Commission to reduce the amount of fuel produced from energy and food crops for fuels under the Renewable Energy Directive and Fuel Quality Directive. readmore
Biofuel debate heats up ahead of committee votes
Energy committee to vote on proposal to limit the type of biofuel that can be used to meet EU renewable energy target.
SusChem proposes Priority Materials Topics for Horizon 2020
SusChem has published its preliminary analysis of research needs for materials in the early calls of Horizon 2020, as the result of ongoing dialogue with stakeholders and value chain partners undertaken by SusChem’s Materials Working Group...
World leaders warned on risks of climate change (News)
SPECIAL REPORT / With time running short to agree a post-2020 international deal to tackle climate change, a new report warns that inaction puts the world at risk of greater climate volatility.
BASF launches online version of Creating Chemistry magazine
BASF has launched an online version of its global magazine “Creating Chemistry.” At www.creating-chemistry.basf.com the company provides insights into future challenges in the areas of resources, environment and climate; food and nutrition; and quality of life.
INEOS Styrenics is to close Expandable Polystyrene plant at its Marl facility at the end of 2013.
INEOS Styrenics is to close Expandable Polystyrene plant at its Marl facility at the end of 2013.
EU official: shale gas el dorado out of Europe’s reach (News)
A senior European Commission official has poured cold water on claims that a shale gas boom in Europe would result in de-facto low gas prices.
Smart Chemistry at Smart Cities Stakeholder
SusChem has just published a new report - ‘Innovative Chemistry for Energy Efficiency of Buildings in Smart Cities’ - outlining where Key Innovations in chemistry can make an immediate impact to improve energy efficiency during the refurbishment of buildings...
EU Sustainable Energy Week 2013
Following the tremendous interest in SusChem’s chemistry-based proposals for increasing energy efficiency in buildings shown at the Smart Cities Stakeholder Platform Annual Conference in Budapest stakeholders will be interested in the events being organised during the EU’s Sustainable Energy Week 2013 (EUSEW 2013) in late June....
Shale gas: 4,000 holes in Lancashire
Following claims that one UK region may have enough gas to meet the UK’s needs for 60 years, there is talk of a gas renaissance
Centrica in shale talks with Cuadrilla
Cuadrilla, the only company to have ‘fracked’ for gas in the UK, is at the forefront of efforts to exploit the country’s unconventional gas reserves
Got ideas for a Sustainable Future?
YourFormula.eu – the Sustainability blogging platform - is running a great new competition: “Your ideas for a sustainable future”. The competition aims to encourage young people living in the EU to share their views on how chemistry can ensure that the way we live on our planet and use its resources becomes more sustainable. The best entry wins an iPad...
Nontoxic Solvents Extract Compounds From Plants
Natural Products: Green solvents made from mixtures of cellular metabolites coax pigments from safflowers
First quarter EU chemicals sector slides 2.1 per cent
EU chemicals production contracted 2.1 per cent in first quarter 2013 compared with the same period in 2012, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report.
Chemical industry passes second REACH registration deadline
The chemical industry has met the second REACH deadline today, registering chemical substances that are manufactured or imported in quantities of more than 100 tonnes per year.
EU ‘needs framework’ to explore shale gas
Europe needs an EU-wide framework if it is to tap into its shale gas reserves quickly enough to reap the benefit, a senior executive at Chevron said on Tuesday.
Biobased Route Draws BASF, Evonik
Renewables: New deals with Genomatica, OPX Bio signal confidence in microbial technologies
Innovative chemistry forms foundation of smart cities
The European chemicals sector took part in the High Level Group for Smart Cities and Communities that met to discuss urgency need to develop smart cities.
Shale gas a ‘new North Sea’, says IoD
Report setting out the practicalities of building the industry calls for environmental disclosure and for local authorities to get a share of gains
Back to the future with shale gas (Opinion)
Ever wondered how the shale gas debate might seem with the benefit of hindsight? So has Stefan Schleicher of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research in Vienna.
EU warned against US-style shale gas boom
The European Union’s climate chief says closer cooperation between European countries and an emphasis on energy efficiency will be more effective at lowering prices in Europe than dreams about a United States-style shale gas boom. Speaking at the European Business ...
Climate change policy must balance need for competitive energy prices
Competitively priced energy will be essential if the European Union is to deliver jobs and growth alongside progress in combating climate change, EU chemicals industry group Cefic said today at a business event in Brussels.
EU chemicals sector output contracts in January after three month growth spurt
EU chemicals production fell by 1.6 per cent in January 2013 compared to January 2012, according to the latest Cefic Chemicals Trends Report released on April 8.
New fracking rules attempt to placate opposing camps
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration on Thursday unveiled a new proposal for regulating hydraulic fracturing on federal lands, rolling back some measures from its original, abandoned draft as it sought to ease concerns the rules would be too burdensome for producers.
Feedstock shift for olefins production and its impact (video)
As America drives to develop shale gas aggressively, its impact on the asian petrochemicals industry remains a hot topic of interest. In this video, Shahrin Ismaiyatim, Wong Wen Yin, and Chen Hui Xin assess the impact of shale gas development on olefins production on olefins production and other alternative feedstocks producers are looking at.
EU leaders to square the circle of cheap energy
EXCLUSIVE / EU leaders will grapple with controversial issues including shale gas development and climate change mitigation at an energy summit on 22 May, documents obtained by EurActiv show.
Biofuels industry sent ‘three mails an hour’ in ILUC lobby offensive
EXCLUSIVE / Biofuels companies and associations sent EU cabinet members three e-mails an hour, many containing catastrophic warnings, in the run-up to a recent European Commission proposal to account for greenhouse gas emissions.
EXCLUSIVE /BASF’s university job sparks green fury over biased science (News)
The Pesticide Action Network has accused the German chemicals company BASF of buying credibility for industry views within academia, after one of its employee was offered a professorship at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Cefic energy roadmap charts new course for balanced EU policy
Cefic published on April 22 its energy roadmap, titled "European chemistry for growth: Unlocking a competitive, low carbon and energy efficient economy."
A roadmap to a global legal regime for climate action (Opinion)
The Durban summit marked a breakthrough in introducing a new phase of international climate policy and it was the EU that paved the way for the others to follow its ambitious climate strategy, writes Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action.
Statistical Monitoring of the European Plastics Industry
Latest business developments in plastics manufacturing, processing and machinery building. View here the latest developments (Issue 26/04/2013 / Expiration 15/05/2013)
MEPs agree on carbon price intervention (News)
Members of the environment committee in the European Parliament have approved an amendment to the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive that is to see carbon prices go up.
The EU must come together on the green climate fund (Opinion)
Lives and livelihoods in vulnerable countries hang in the balance while rich countries bicker over who will disburse climate cash, argues Wendel
UPDATE 1-Australia’s builders play down a construction-led economic reboot
SYDNEY, May 6 (Reuters) - Two of Australia's biggest
building companies have dealt a blow to hopes that commercial
and housing construction could help rebalance the faltering
economy away from the overweight and slowing mining sector.
Hugo Chavez and Venezuela’s oil markets
Robert Sharp, associate editorial director, and Subhan Usmani, editor, discuss the affect of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's reign, including how Venezuela has changed from a huge exporter to an importer of gasoline from the US.
Has the hype peaked over SXSW?
In South by Southwest Interactive, the tech-geek festival that begins here Friday, some see a five-day spring break of sorts: a chance to discover some buzzy new apps, catch a few panels and party alongside Web celebrities, futurists and many, many bloggers.
Venezuela extends mourning for Chavez
The body of former Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, will be embalmed and laid to rest at a military museum in Caracas following the funeral, Venezuela's interim leader Nicolas Maduro said.
EU biofuels industry moves to tighten control of waste biofuels
Platts' biofuels team discusses the growing concern of fraud surrounding waste-derived biofuels, as the industry steps up efforts to curtail bogus trading practices.
Asian butadiene: price analysis (news feature)
Asian butadiene prices hit a more than six month high February 18 on tight availability amid the startup of new synthetic rubber plants in China and higher naphtha feedstock costs.
US LNG to challenge Spains exports to Asia, South America
Mike Rieke, editor in chief of LNG Daily, and Beatrice Bedeschi, associate editor for European Gas Daily, discuss the role of Italy and Spain in the global LNG market, in the light of the strengthening role of the US as an LNG exporter.
Northeast US natural gas prices skyrocket during cold snap
Platts' US natural gas team talks about the changes in prices and demand as markets try to settle back down after a cold snap in the northeast US sent natural gas prices and fuel oil prices in the area skyrocketing.