During its annual results presentation, Solvay revealed that it is taking steps to organize its Soda Ash & Derivatives business into a separate legal structure. This is part of the G.R.O.W. strategy, under which the Materials, Chemicals and Solutions segments were each given distinct mandates that reflect the differing dynamics in their markets.
The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) has reported that EU27 chemical production fell by 1.9% from 2019 to 2020. It expects 3% and 22% growth in 2021 and 2022 respectively. However, “longer-term economic outlook remains highly uncertain due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its continued economic impacts”.
Barcelona-based Grupo Indukern has agreed to sell its chemical business, Indukern, to the Ravago Group, subject to regulatory approval. The group said that it had received several offers for the business. Terms were not disclosed.
Based in Luxembourg, family-owned Ravago is mainly a recycler of plastics and rubber but is also active in the coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers (CASE), life sciences and care markets. It has operations in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Seqens will produce the first volumes of an aromatic diamine monomer by means of flow chemistry in its dedicated workshop at SeqensLab in Porcheville, France (pictured), by the end of 2021. This follows a successful first pilot trial in 2020.
Clariant has committed to new 2030 targets to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has validated them. This follows the establishment last year a dedicated unit to accelerate its sustainability transformation. The targets are:
* 40% absolute reductions in Scope 1 (made directly during production) and 2 (emitted indirectly, mainly through consuming steam and electricity) greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions on 2019 levels
* A 14% absolute reductions in Scope 3 (other indirect) GHG emissions on 2019 levels
Mack-Brooks Exhibitions has announced the postponement of the fine and speciality chemicals trade show, Chemspec Europe 2021 in view of continued uncertainties regarding travel restrictions and event planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s show was twice postponed and finally replaced with a digital event.
Chemspec Europe 2021, the 35th in the series, was originally scheduled for 19-20 May at Messe Frankfurt. It will now be a hybrid physical-digital event on 29-30 September, merging the “on-site offer with interactive digital networking opportunities”.
Hamburg-based chemical distributor Krahn Chemie has bought majority stakes in six companies from Jollis & Partners of Sweden. This follows the acquisition of InterActive in Greece in 2020. Head of M&A Axel Sebbesse, said that it “represents another important step for the Krahn Chemie Group to sustainably secure its future and further strengthen its position as a pan-European distributor”.
