Japanese chemical manufacturers Asahi Kasei Corp., Mitsui Chemicals and Mitsubishi Chemical are advancing a collaborative feasibility study to achieve carbon neutrality in ethylene production facilities in western Japan.

Building on an initial agreement announced on 8 May 2024, the companies are exploring comprehensive measures for transitioning to carbon-neutral production through methods including the use of biomass feedstocks and low-carbon fuels, moving away from traditional petroleum-derived resources.

A preliminary assessment of the project confirms the value of cross-district collaboration among the three companies’ sites. Based on these findings, Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical have agreed to pursue further detailed analysis on optimising production to align with carbon-neutral objectives, including future capacity reductions. The study also considers establishing a joint operating entity to streamline these efforts.

The companies are examining opportunities for each firm to contribute unique technologies aimed at carbon neutrality while ensuring an equitable sharing of costs and benefits, including the positive impacts on greenhouse gas reductions. The partnership also looks at establishing the best possible production arrangements, focusing on shared procurement of basic chemicals and infrastructure development.

This joint study is expected to reinforce district-level coordination across the sites involved, accelerate the transition to carbon-neutral petrochemical products, and support Japan’s broader goals for a circular economy and reduced carbon footprint in its chemical sector. The companies will align with regulatory requirements and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to drive the project forward.

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB publ has signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed partner to explore the possibility of licensing its advanced tyre pyrolysis technology for deployment in North America.

The collaboration will focus on conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of establishing one or multiple facilities dedicated to processing end-of-life tyres using Enviro’s proprietary method. This study is designed to provide the potential licensee with the necessary insights to assess the prospects of entering into a long-term commercial arrangement and formal technology licensing agreement.

It is important to note that any definitive agreements will depend entirely on the study's outcomes and subsequent negotiations. At this stage, there is no guarantee that the evaluation will lead to binding commitments or that the proposed transaction will ultimately materialise.

Fredrik Aaben, CEO, Scandinavian Enviro Systems, said, “We continue to see strong international interest in Enviro’s technology, and this letter of intent is yet another proof of this.”

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Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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