Long-lasting and detrimental: Countries banning phthalate-based PP catalysts

Polypropylene (PP) is the most used plastic after polyethylene and has made way into our daily lives ranging from packaging and food containers to clothing, furniture, and automotives. PP is made via polymerization of propylene in the presence of catalyst, and it has benefitted largely through the catalyst development efforts that began with Natta, who…

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Growing regulations restrict toxic PFAS chemicals globally

In July this year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill designating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Under the PFAS Action Act the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be required to add perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroactanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to…

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PO&E Plus: March 15, 2017

Chemical Industry Summary After trading in a stable range of US$5/Bbl. for several months, the last week has seen global crude oil prices soften roughly 10% with WTI prices now trading belowUS$48/Bbl. The current weakness of pricing is related to recent inventory and production data that have cast doubt on the potential for global crude…

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Closing the circularity loop with bio-based polymers

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has re-enrolled in the Paris Agreement, while announcing a new target of cutting 50-52% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. Sustainability has become a top priority for governments and corporations worldwide, with significant support from consumers looking to remove single-use plastics and non-biodegradable materials from…

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