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陶氏、阿朗新科、英力士、盛禧奥,再集体关停!
DT新材料· 2025-10-09 16:05
Core Viewpoint - Major chemical companies, including Dow, INEOS, and others, are shutting down production facilities in Europe due to high costs, stringent regulations, and competition from imports, indicating a significant restructuring in the chemical industry [2][3][6][7][8]. Group 1: Dow Chemical - Dow plans to close its polyether polyol plant in Tertre, Belgium, with an annual capacity of 94,000 tons by the end of Q1 2026 as part of a strategic restructuring in Europe [3]. - The closure is attributed to high costs, strict regulations in Europe, and competitive pressure from imports, particularly from Asia [3]. - Dow's other planned closures include an ethylene cracker in Germany and a chlor-alkali facility, with further reductions in production capacity expected [3]. Group 2: Market Conditions - The European polyether polyol market is currently weak, with key end-use sectors like automotive and construction showing low demand, leading to overcapacity and increased imports [4]. - From 2020 to 2024, the average annual import volume of polyether is projected to be 286,000 tons, with a record high of 323,000 tons last year [4]. - In China, the domestic polyether industry is expected to see increased concentration among leading companies, with total production around 5.55 million tons and consumption at approximately 4.08 million tons in 2024 [4]. Group 3: INEOS - INEOS confirmed the closure of two production plants in Rheinberg, Germany, resulting in the loss of 175 jobs, due to high energy and carbon emission costs [6]. - The plants produce essential chemicals, including key components for epoxy resins, which are critical for defense, aerospace, and renewable energy infrastructure [6]. - INEOS also plans to cut 20% of the workforce at its acetyl plant in Hull, UK, citing competition from low-cost imports [6]. Group 4: Arlanxeo - Arlanxeo announced the closure of its synthetic rubber production facility in France, with an annual capacity of 140,000 tons, due to rising costs and market imbalances [7]. - The facility produces Nd-PBR and solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber, facing continuous losses without viable paths to profitability [7]. Group 5: Solvay - Solvay plans to permanently close its MMA and acetone cyanohydrin production operations in Italy, transitioning to purchasing MMA from third-party suppliers [8]. - This strategic shift is part of a broader plan to streamline operations and focus on chemical recycling initiatives [8]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The domestic polyether industry in China is expected to continue expanding, with a projected increase of over 4 million tons per year in new capacity from 2025 to 2029 [5]. - Leading companies in the sector are focusing on high-value products, indicating a shift towards more specialized and profitable offerings [5].
旭化成等四家公司共同启动电解单元与电极金属回收验证
Sou Hu Cai Jing· 2025-06-03 08:25
Core Viewpoint - Asahi Kasei, in collaboration with Nobian, Furuya Metal, and Mastermelt, is launching a verification project in 2025 focused on metal recovery from electrolytic cells and their internal electrodes, aiming to establish a metal recycling ecosystem in the chlor-alkali industry to promote resource circularity and sustainable development [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The project involves the recovery of precious metals such as iridium and ruthenium from electrolytic cells, which are in increasing demand due to the rising needs in battery and electronic components, as well as applications in hydrogen production technologies [3]. - The collaboration will start with Asahi Kasei recovering end-of-life electrodes from Nobian, followed by Mastermelt and Furuya Metal extracting and processing catalysts for further refinement and purification of precious metals [3]. Group 2: Industry Implications - This initiative aims to extend transactions between end-users and suppliers across the chlor-alkali industry, establishing a stable supply ecosystem for electrolytic cells and electrodes [4]. - The project will enhance traceability and visibility within the ecosystem, accelerating the adoption of recycled precious metals in electrolytic cells and electrodes, and Asahi Kasei plans to apply related technologies to the green hydrogen production field [4].