news Denmark scraps phthalates ban
The Danish government has scrapped its proposed ban on four commonly used phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, DBP, DIBP and BBP), which was due to come into effect at the end of this year, after the European Commission ruled the move would breach EU rules. Denmark’s Ministry of the
Environment had originally planned to ban the use of the four plasticizers from the end of December 2012, citing concerns over their ability to act as endocrine disrupters. It subsequently delayed the introduction of the ban until
Evonik ups PA12 capacity
Evonik has added 5,000 tonnes of new capacity at its Vestamid PA12 production site at Marl in Germany. The expansion has been
achieved by modifying production processes at the site. “We view it as our obligation to offer our core markets – above all, the automotive industry – the greatest possible supply security,” said Dr Michael Pack, the newly appointed head of Performance Polymers at Evonik. Marl is the world’s
largest PA12 production facility. A fatal explosion at the site in 2012 halted production for around eight months, forcing customers to use alternative products. ❙
www.evonik.com
www.compoundingworld.com
2015, saying that the phtha- lates were more widely used than it had originally thought. However, the Danish
government was warned from the outset that its plans were likely to breach European law. It has now accepted that warning and cancelled the ban, although its position on the chemicals does not appear to have changed. “This is a step in the wrong
direction,” said Danish minister for the environment Kirsten Brosbøl in a statement. “As long as there is a health risk, I’ll work on phasing out
these phthalates and replacing them with better alternatives.” Brosbøl said that the
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently assessing whether there is a new basis for introducing a ban on these and that this must be com- pleted before Denmark can introduce national regulations. However, she said she had
Kirsten Brosbøl hasn’t given up on phthalates regulation
instructed the Danish EPA to explore whether there could be a new case for a Danish ban if the ECHA assessment does not result in a common EU regulation. “I haven’t given up on the ban or other regulation on phthalates,” Brosbøl said. Phthalates are widely used
as PVC plasticizers.
Cytec and Dralon explore low cost carbon fibre production
Cytec Industries and Dralon are collaborating to explore new opportunities for the production of large-tow industrial-grade carbon fibres. Demand for such reinforce- ments is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Cytec brings carbon fibre
expertise to the partnership, while Dralon is a leader in acrylic fibre production. Shane Fleming, chairman, president and CEO of Cytec,
said that his company is actively pursuing the develop- ment of carbon fibre compos- ites for high-volume automo- tive applications. “Large scale adoption will necessitate the need for a robust supply chain of industrial-grade, or high-tow fibres, that offer low-cost supply and continu- ity. We are therefore working with Dralon to evaluate the most appropriate solution to address this market, including potential joint investment.”
Stefan Braun, Dralon’s CEO added, “We are investigating conversion of existing Dralon acrylic fibre production lines for the manufacture of high-quality heavy-tow precursor as well as invest- ment in new carbon fibre lines. With our local footprint, we will be able to offer superior security of supply of high- quality large-tow carbon fibre to the European market.” ❙
www.cytec.com ❙
www.dralon.com
Ineos to acquire BASF’s share of Styrolution “Styrolution has fulfilled its promise as a
Ineos is to acquire BASF’s 50% share in the Styrolution styrenics joint venture set up by the two firms in 2011. The company is to pay €1.1 billion for the
BASF share and the deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year, subject to approval by appropriate antitrust authorities.
globally competitive business that competes effectively with large-scale producers from Asia and the Middle East,” said Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of Ineos Capital. “We are pleased to bring Styrolution fully into the Ineos family.” ❙
www.styrolution.com
July 2014 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 5
PHOTO: RUNE JOHANSEN
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