Industry News

1984 Chemical Plant Leak Still Causing Concern

Dec. 18, 2024
BASF may be on the hook for Ciba-Geigy Corp.’s 1984 chemical leak. A 2022 settlement would force BASF to pay $500,000 as part of larger efforts to restore the land and mandate...

EPA Targets PFAS Contamination with Comprehensive Data Collection Effort

Dec. 17, 2024
New 30-day public comment period seeks insights on industrial wastewater discharges from key sectors to develop science-based strategies for limiting harmful chemical pollution...

Teijin Group, Circularise to Partner on Supply Chain Traceability

Dec. 17, 2024
Partnership aims to enhance the traceability of high-performance materials in a circular economy.

Texas AG Sues Chemical Giants Over Alleged 'Forever Chemicals' Deception

Dec. 16, 2024
Lawsuit targets 3M, Corteva and DuPont for allegedly hiding health risks of PFAS in household products for decades.

BASF Opens Catalyst Research Center to Accelerate Green Technology Innovation

Dec. 16, 2024
The company’s new Ludwigshafen facility aims to speed up catalyst development and support global customers' green transformation efforts.

Exxon Mobil Plans to Build a Natural Gas Power Plant to Supply Electricity to Data Centers

Dec. 13, 2024
Exxon plans to outfit the power plant with technology to capture and store more than 90% of its emissions of carbon dioxide.

Study: Plastics Harbor Nearly Half of Known Breast Cancer-Linked Chemicals

Dec. 13, 2024
Report IDs 414 breast cancer-relevant chemicals in plastic materials; researchers urge global action to reduce risks through chemical regulation and waste reduction.

Aramco Collaborates On Carbon Emission Reduction Projects

Dec. 11, 2024
Company’s collaborations include developments for new carbon capture technology and a major carbon capture and storage hub to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The Business Side: It’s Awards Season

Dec. 11, 2024
Busch Group, HRS Heat Exchangers, LyondellBasell and INNIO Group earn accolades for their sustainability work.

Chemical Safety Board Warns: Winterize or Risk Disaster

Dec. 10, 2024
Federal agency highlights critical need for chemical facilities to prepare for extreme cold, prevent potentially catastrophic incidents this winter.

Air Liquide Wins $115M Grant for Renewable Hydrogen Plant in Belgium

Dec. 10, 2024
European Commission backs project to produce low-carbon hydrogen using ammonia, targeting major industrial sectors and transportation.

EPA Chemical Review Rule Sparks Industry Pushback

Dec. 9, 2024
ACC warns new regulations will stifle innovation and delay critical technology development.

EPA Bans TCE and PCE, Solvents Linked to Cancer Risks

Dec. 9, 2024
Federal regulators to phase out trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene over time.

U.S. Treasury Unveils Clean Energy Tax Credit Rules

Dec. 6, 2024
Clean energy rules boost project development

BASF and Celanese Lauded for “Inspiring the Power of Good”

Dec. 6, 2024
The 2024 AIChE Gala celebrates research that drives innovation for the benefit of society.

EPA Eliminates Chemical Safety Review Exemptions for PFAS

Dec. 4, 2024
New rule ensures full safety reviews for all new PFAS and toxic chemicals, closing loopholes that previously allowed expedited manufacturing approvals.

CSB Shares Investigation Update on Bio-Lab Toxic Gas Release

Dec. 4, 2024
The resulting plumes contained chlorine and other hazardous substances that caused significant offsite impacts.

The Business Side: Hexion, ABB and Siemens Report Acquisitions

Dec. 4, 2024
The latest business moves aim to expand industry offerings in AI technology, NEMA vertical pump motors and high-pressure fire suppression technology.

DuPont Loses Bid to Seal PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Documents

Dec. 3, 2024
Federal judge rejects company's second attempt to keep river pollution materials confidential, citing public’s right to know.

Arkema Buys Dow's $250M Packaging Adhesives Business

Dec. 3, 2024
French chemical firm expands Bostik segment, expects $30M EBITDA synergies by 2029.

Trump's Proposed 25% Tariffs Threaten Canadian Chemical Industry's Growth

Dec. 2, 2024
Canada's chemical shipments forecast to grow 1%-4% in 2025, but U.S. tariffs and upcoming elections could disrupt industry projections.

Plastics Treaty Talks Stall, Another Negotiation Round Planned

Dec. 2, 2024
Global efforts to combat plastic pollution reach an impasse, with critical disagreements blocking a final agreement.

Alkanes Activate – Form of a New Catalytic Method

Nov. 29, 2024
Researchers at Hokkaido University in Japan have developed a novel way to activate alkanes with high stereoselectivity.

Air Liquide to Build $84M Renewable Hydrogen Unit for TotalEnergies

Nov. 26, 2024
The new production facility at La Mède biorefinery will generate 25,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually, supporting sustainable aviation and transportation fuels.

Exxon Mobil to Supply LG Chem with 100,000 Tons of Lithium for Tennessee Cathode Plant

Nov. 26, 2024
Energy giant's lithium deal aims to bolster U.S. battery supply chain, with strategic partnership positioning LG Chem for domestic electric vehicle market expansion.

EPA Launches National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution

Nov. 25, 2024
Recommendations target single-use plastics production, manufacturing accountability, and comprehensive waste reduction efforts.

EPA Launches PFAS Assistance Program for Disadvantaged Communities

Nov. 25, 2024
Program aims to help municipalities address PFAS contamination in their water supply.

Cautious Props to Prop 65’s Toxic Chemicals Crusade

Nov. 22, 2024
Study reveals toxic chemical exposure drops in California but substitute chemical exposure rises.

Researchers Transform Toxic Tires

Nov. 22, 2024
Scientists at the University of Delaware develop a method to remove toxic particles from discarded tires.

Pemex’s Deadly Incident Points To Poor Alert Systems

Nov. 20, 2024
Recent analysis questions whether more can be done to alert first responders and the community in case of emergency.

Chemical Processing Reveals 2024 Job Satisfaction and Salary Survey Results

Nov. 20, 2024
Annual survey continues to highlight a healthy industry outlook among chemical engineering professionals.

Green Hydrogen Startup Ecolectro Secures $10.5M to Advance Electrolyzer Technology

Nov. 19, 2024
Toyota Ventures leads Series A funding for Cornell-founded startup developing more sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen production membrane technology.

The Business Side: Flow Control Acquisition, Carbon Capture Commercialization and Leadership Promotion

Nov. 19, 2024
Private equity firm acquires flow control maker Cashco, Carbon Clean ramps up its commercialization with supply chain agreement, and Motion Industries announces an executive promotion...

Trump Names Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as Next Energy Secretary

Nov. 18, 2024
President-elect selects shale industry leader to head energy department, promising a new era of American energy innovation and global influence.

EBM Launches 2024 Workforce Survey to Help Industries Thrive in Competitive Job Market

Nov. 18, 2024
Chemical Processing's parent company introduces inaugural survey that aims to learn about the successes and opportunities in recruiting, retention, training and technology adaptations...

Researchers Develop Virtual Ligand-Assisted Optimization for Efficient Catalyst Design

Nov. 15, 2024
The method can be used to enhance the efficiency of chemical processes.

Nouryon Doubles Organic Peroxide Production in China

Nov. 13, 2024
Specialty chemicals maker completes organic peroxide expansion in China to support the growing polymer industry.

Exxon CEO to Trump: Don’t Rollback IRA

Nov. 13, 2024
Exxon CEO Darren Woods warns Trump's anti-climate policies could hinder U.S. net-zero goals. He advocates for consistent climate policies, supporting the Inflation Reduction Act...

Trump Selects Zeldin to Lead the EPA

Nov. 12, 2024
Former New York congressman is expected to play a role in industrial deregulation, which could have a major impact on the process industries.

EPA to Charge Oil and Gas Industry for Methane Emissions

Nov. 12, 2024
Fee is part of Congress’s directive in the Inflation Reduction Act to help ensure natural gas reaches the market rather than polluting the air.

Sabic Opens $170M Thermoplastics Resin Plant in Singapore

Nov. 11, 2024
Company is looking to boost its specialty resin production by more than 50%.

Albemarle Cuts Workforce Again

Nov. 8, 2024
For the second time in 2024 the Charlotte-based manufacturing company announces layoffs to offset major sales declines.

BASF Continues Sustainability Drive with New Partnership

Nov. 6, 2024
Collaboration with Acies Bio aims to develop a commercially viable technology to diversify raw materials from renewable methanol for home and personal care products.

ACC Launches Economic Elements of Chemistry

Nov. 6, 2024
New digital tool from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) provides insight into the chemical industry’s vital role in the global economy.

Braskem CEO Roberto Bischoff Steps Down, Replaced by Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos

Nov. 5, 2024
Bischoff will leave his position on Nov. 30; Ramos to assume the CEO position.

Cepsa Rebrands as Moeve, Spotlighting Green Energy Push

Nov. 5, 2024
Spanish energy giant's name change reflects €8 billion sustainability drive, with major investments planned in green hydrogen, biofuels and sustainable chemicals.

Asahi Kasei and Honda Form Joint Venture to Produce Battery Separators in Canada

Nov. 4, 2024
The companies have signed an agreement to convert Asahi Kasei's subsidiary in Canada into a joint venture, with Honda acquiring a 25% stake and investing around $300 million. ...

Blog: Hey Graduate, The Future Really Is in Batteries (But China's Got the Edge)

Nov. 4, 2024
As the U.S. Department of Energy backs $2.26B Thacker Pass project, industry experts warn China's dominance in the lithium supply chain could reach 60% by 2026.

Direct Air Capture Reactor Touts Hydrogen Coproduction

Nov. 1, 2024
The new reactor design could help solve the pressing problem of emission impacts on the climate and biosphere by enabling more agile and scalable carbon dioxide mitigation strategies...

The Business Side: EU Supports Electrolysis Technology Advancement, Motion and W.R. Grace Announce Expansions

Oct. 30, 2024
EU funding supports solid oxide electrolyzer cell construction and acquisition and startup announcements take center stage this week.

DuPont Fined $480,000 for Chemical Leak in Louisiana

Oct. 30, 2024
DuPont settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after an unannounced inspection in 2021 found benzene release levels exceeding federal limits.

Direct Lithium Extraction Market Poised for 20% Annual Growth

Oct. 29, 2024
As battery makers seek sustainable solutions, new extraction methods targeting geothermal sites and oilfields face unique regional challenges.

BASF, AM Green Partner on Renewable Energy-Based Chemicals in India

Oct. 28, 2024
German chemical giant signs agreement to explore low-carbon production and purchase 100,000 tons of green ammonia annually from Indian renewable energy company.

Skills Gap Emerges as Top Process Safety Risk, Survey Finds

Oct. 28, 2024
Nearly half of safety professionals say lack of experienced workers threatens facility safety, while aging infrastructure and procedural conflicts add to mounting concerns.