Tata Chemicals Secures $110M Soda Ash Contracts via SVM Acquisition in US Bankruptcy Deal

Tata Chemicals Limited ("TCL") today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Chemicals North America Inc. ("TCNA"), has been declared the successful bidder in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of Searles Valley Minerals Inc. ("SVM"), USA, for the acquisition of North American soda ash customer contracts representing over 500,000 metric tonnes to be serviced from September 2026 through December 2028. These contracts are expected to generate revenues of more than USD 110 million over the contract period.

The acquisition strengthens TCNA's position in the North American soda ash market by expanding its domestic customer base and enhancing long-term customer relationships. The transaction is expected to improve demand visibility, support customer retention, and drive sustainable value creation.

TCNA has entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement ("ASA") with Searles Valley Minerals Inc. for the acquisition of certain soda ash customer contracts and related commercial rights. The transaction has been approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware with cash consideration payment of USD 21.16 million and remains subject to customary closing conditions under the ASA.

Mr. R. Mukundan, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Chemicals Limited, said: "This acquisition represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen our presence in the North American soda ash market and expand our customer base. The acquired contracts secure over 500,000 metric tonnes of demand and are expected to generate revenues exceeding USD 110 million through December 2028. The transaction enhances our portfolio of long-term customer relationships, improves demand visibility, and reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable supply and superior service. It is aligned with our strategy of driving profitable growth and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders."

About Tata Chemicals Ltd

A part of over US$ 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Chemicals Limited, is a leading supplier of choice to Glass, Detergent, Industrial and Chemical sectors. The company has a strong position in the crop protection business through its subsidiary company, Rallis India Limited. Tata Chemicals has world class R&D facilities in Pune and Bengaluru.

Adani and France's Dioxycle to Launch India’s Ist CO₂‑to‑Chemicals Plant

Adani Enterprises has partnered with France’s Dioxycle to launch India’s first pilot plant producing formic acid from captured carbon dioxide and renewable electricity — a landmark move that marks Adani’s entry into low‑carbon chemicals. The project will be located at an Adani Group site, with plans to scale up to commercial production after successful validation.

Low‑carbon chemicals are industrial products made using renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks (like biomass or captured CO₂) instead of fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are central to decarbonizing the chemical industry, which is one of the largest contributors to global emissions.

The Adani-Dioxycle partnership combines Dioxycle’s electrically driven chemical manufacturing technology with Adani Group’s clean-energy capabilities, infrastructure platform and project execution expertise to create a new model for sustainable and cost-competitive chemical production.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Pilot Plant: Produces formic acid using captured CO₂ and renewable electricity.
• Strategic Entry: Adani’s first step into the chemicals sector, expanding beyond energy and infrastructure.
• Technology: Dioxycle’s electrically driven process replaces fossil fuels with renewable power.
• Applications: Formic acid is widely used in textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• Future Expansion: Plans to explore other chemicals for energy, packaging, and materials sectors.

Why Formic Acid Matters

• Industrial Uses: Preservative in animal feed, dyeing agent in textiles, and intermediate in chemical manufacturing.
• Sustainability Impact: Converts carbon emissions into valuable products, reducing reliance on fossil feedstocks.
• Market Potential: India’s growing demand in agriculture and textiles makes local production strategically important.

Statements from Leaders

• Jeet Adani (Director, Adani Group): “We are proud to pilot India’s first formic acid facility powered entirely by renewable electricity and captured carbon.”
• Sarah Lamaison (CEO, Dioxycle): “India offers a unique combination of renewable energy, manufacturing capability, and ambition. Together, we aim to build a scalable model for low‑carbon chemical production.”

Strategic Importance

Factor	Details
Carbon Capture	Converts emissions into chemicals, reducing industrial carbon footprint.
Economic Value	Creates cost‑effective alternatives to fossil‑based feedstocks.
India‑Europe Cooperation	Strengthens clean‑tech ties between India and France.
Job Creation	New opportunities in chemical manufacturing and renewable energy.

Risks & Challenges

• Validation Risk: Commercial scaling depends on successful pilot outcomes.
• Regulatory Approvals: Environmental and industrial clearances may delay timelines.
• Market Competition: Competing with global players in sustainable chemicals.

What This Means for India

• This partnership positions India as a pioneer in low‑carbon chemical manufacturing, aligning with its renewable energy ambitions and industrial growth.
• It’s a strategic clean‑tech story linking carbon capture, industrial innovation, and India‑Europe cooperation.

Low‑carbon chemicals represent a fundamental re‑architecture of industrial chemistry, shifting from fossil‑based to renewable, circular systems. For India, projects like Adani–Dioxycle’s pilot plant show how captured carbon can become a valuable feedstock, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable industrial innovation.

Bain Capital-Backed Novopor Expands US Footprint with FAR Chemical Acquisition

Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited, a Bain Capital portfolio company and global performance chemicals and material science CDMO, today announced its acquisition of FAR Chemical, a US-based leader in custom and complex specialty chemical manufacturing focused on Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Coatings & Adhesives and other Specialty Chemicals, from its US parent CPS Performance Materials Group.

The acquisition of FAR Chemical is a key milestone in Novopor’s strategy to build an integrated specialty chemical platform that delivers end-to-end solutions to customers ranging from early-stage process development to commercial scale manufacturing. Integrating FAR Chemical’s deep expertise in complex chemistries and attractive end markets complements Novopor’s existing capabilities and expands its US presence.

“FAR Chemical’s deep expertise in differentiated, complex chemistries and long track record of working with global performance chemical and material science companies make it a strategic fit with Novopor’s mission to drive innovation and deliver custom solutions. This acquisition enhances our ability to support a broader range of chemistries, accelerate time-to-market for new products, and strengthen our presence in key high-growth markets,” said Radhesh Welling, MD of Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited.

“FAR Chemical is a respected operator with a proven track record in complex specialty chemical manufacturing. The combination of FAR Chemical with Novopor strengthens the platform’s technical depth, geographic reach, and ability to support customers across the full product lifecycle. This investment underlines our continued commitment to building market-leading businesses through strategic acquisitions and operational excellence,” said Saahil Bhatia, Partner of Bain Capital.

“FAR Chemical and CPS Performance Materials have established a differentiated platform grounded in deep technical expertise, an uncompromising commitment to safety, and a strong track record of delivering innovative solutions for customers with unique and challenging development needs,” said Justin O’Connor, President of FAR Chemical. “This partnership strengthens our ability to invest in advanced capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational discipline and enhances our ability to support customers seamlessly from development through commercial-scale manufacturing. We are proud to join Novopor in building a platform defined by technical excellence, a safety-first culture, and an unwavering commitment to our customers.”

Novopor Advanced Science, backed by Bain Capital, has been executing a strategy of targeted investments and acquisitions to expand its global footprint and technical portfolio. In 2025, Novopor acquired Pressure Chemical Company, a Pittsburgh-based specialty chemical and high-pressure chemistry expert, broadening its development-to-manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing its presence in the US market. Additionally, Novopor inaugurated a state-of-the-art Pilot Plant Facility in Visakhapatnam, designed to bridge early-stage R&D with commercial-scale production and accelerate innovation across agrochemicals, performance materials, and specialty chemicals.

KPMG served as financial advisors, Alvarez & Marsal served as technical advisors, and Honigman LLP, Khaitan & Co and Clifford Chance LLP served as legal advisors to Novopor. Raymond James, Forvis Mazars and Thompson Hine LLP served as advisors to FAR Chemical.

About Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited

Novopor, a Bain Capital portfolio company, is a performance chemicals and material science leader focused on enabling sustainable innovation through strategic partnerships. The company collaborates with leading global customers across agrochemicals, performance chemicals, and material science, providing solutions from development through commercial manufacturing. Novopor operates state-of-the-art R&D and innovation centers in Hyderabad and manufacturing sites in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, India.

About FAR Chemical

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Palm Bay, Florida, FAR Chemical has a distinguished history of operating for over 40 years in delivering high-quality specialty and fine chemical products and services to customers across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, coatings and adhesives, electronics, and industrial specialties. The company is recognized for its expertise in complex and hazardous chemistry, custom and toll manufacturing, chemical development, repackaging, and analytical support.

Godrej Industries’ Chemicals Business to Invest over INR 750 CR for Capacity Expansion

Godrej Industries Limited’s Chemical Business today announced significant capacity expansions in sync with the company’s growth plan to become a USD 1 Billion global business before 2030. With a total capital outlay for expansions to exceed INR 750 Crore over the next few years, the company has already kicked off several projects.

The company announced doubling of its Fatty Alcohol and Euric Acid capacities with an addition of 35,000 tons per annum and 20,000 tons per annum respectively. It has tripled its specialities capacity with an addition of 21,000 tons per annum while the glycerine capacity will be doubled with an addition of 24,000 tons per annum. The fermentation capacity will also see a threefold increase with an addition of 1,500 tons per annum. It plans to increase the Primary Surfactants capacity with an addition of 30,000 ton per annum. Additionally, to support the company’s sustainable operations, it will enhance its hybrid power capabilities thereby increasing renewable energy usage to 75 percent.

Vishal Sharma, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Godrej Industries (Chemicals) said “Consistently achieving double-digit volumes and revenue growth year after year, it’s a very exciting time for us here at Godrej Chemicals. The significant investments in our R&D and Commercial teams reflect our commitment to Sustainable Operations and Green Products in our quest to deliver innovative solutions to our customers across all market segments. Our capacity additions align with our long-term aspirations to become a USD 1 Billion global business before 2030. On behalf of our entire team, I thank our customers, suppliers and stakeholders for their great support which is enabling our strong progress year after year.”

The company sees Green Chemistry as an important pillar in its growth strategy. While it is reducing its environmental footprint through energy efficient processes, adoption of renewable energy and zero waste goals, it is also leveraging biocatalysis, continuous manufacturing and fermentation for green, efficient and milder innovations. Hence, today’s announcement further reinstates the company’s strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and tailored solutions for its focus segments.

Bain Capital-backed Novopor Acquires US-based Pressure Chemical Company

Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited, a performance chemicals and material science CDMO, today announced its acquisition of Pressure Chemical Company (“Pressure Chemical” or “PCC”), an affiliate of the Minafin Group and a leading provider of high-pressure and specialty chemistry services. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition is a significant step in Novopor’s strategy to build an integrated specialty chemicals platform by combining early-stage development capabilities with large-scale manufacturing. The partnership will support continued investment in expanding Novopor’s facility footprint, enhancing technical capabilities, and providing customers with seamless access to fine and specialty chemical manufacturing at scale.

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pressure Chemical brings more than six decades of experience in high-pressure chemistry, polymerization, and alkoxylation. The company offers process development, piloting, and low-volume, high-value manufacturing, with a strong track record of solving complex technical challenges. Its skilled team, flexible infrastructure, and long-standing customer relationships make it a trusted partner for specialized chemical solutions—and a natural complement to Novopor’s expanding platform.

“This acquisition strengthens our ability to support customers across the full development lifecycle—from early-stage innovation through to commercial manufacturing,” said Radhesh Welling, CEO of Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited. “Pressure Chemical brings deep technical expertise, a highly skilled team, and strong customer relationships that are highly complementary to our platform. Together, we will invest in expanding our facility footprint, enhance our capabilities in complex chemistries, and create seamless access to large-scale fine and specialty manufacturing. This is an important step forward in building a differentiated, high-impact platform for our global customers.”

“Pressure Chemical and Minafin have built a strong foundation, recognized for our collaborative and innovative solutions for customers with complex development needs,” said Sandra Cernick, President of Pressure Chemical. “This new partnership enables us to further invest in our people, facilities, and capabilities while expanding our ability to support customers development and scale-up through commercial manufacturing. We’re excited to join Novopor in creating a platform centered on technical excellence and customer focus.”

KPMG, PwC, and Wombat Capital Markets LLC served as financial advisors, and Honigman LLP, JSA and Clifford Chance LLP served as legal advisors to Novopor. Fairmount Partners, Mazars and Pierre Abitbol served as advisors to Pressure Chemical Company.

About Novopor Advanced Science Private Limited

Novopor, a Bain Capital portfolio company, is a performance chemicals and material science leader focused on enabling sustainable innovation through strategic partnerships. The company collaborates with leading global customers across agrochemicals, performance chemicals, and material science, providing solutions from development through commercial manufacturing. Novopor operates state-of-the-art R&D and innovation centers in Hyderabad and manufacturing sites in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, India.

About Pressure Chemical Company

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pressure Chemical Company specializes in high-pressure chemistry, polymerization, alkoxylation, and challenging chemistry scale-up. With more than six decades of experience and a reputation for handling complex projects safely and confidentially, PCC serves a wide range of specialty chemical needs from development through pilot and custom manufacturing.

A Netflix Movie Uncovers the Dangers of Non-Stick Pans in Our Kitchen

Dark Waters on Netflix is a compelling film that unveils the dangers of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical initially developed for military tanks but later used in manufacturing 'Teflon' for non-stick cookware. The movie follows the real-life story of attorney Rob Bilott, who takes on the chemical giant DuPont after discovering the harmful effects of PFOA on the environment and public health.

The 2019 Netflix film, directed by Todd Haynes and written by Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan, highlights the dangers associated with non-stick pans, particularly those coated with Teflon. The film, based on a true story, follows attorney Rob Bilott (played by Mark Ruffalo) as he takes on chemical giant DuPont over the harmful effects of a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), used in the production of Teflon.

PFOA, also known as a "forever chemical," does not break down in the environment and has been linked to serious health issues, including various cancers, birth defects, and other ailments. The movie underscores the importance of being aware of potentially toxic household items and the need for stricter regulations on harmful chemicals.

Key Points Highlighted in the Movie:

• Origin of PFOA: Initially developed for military applications, PFOA was later used in the production of Teflon, bringing it into everyday kitchens.
• Health Risks: PFOA, often referred to as a "forever chemical," does not break down easily in the environment and has been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and other chronic illnesses.
• Legal Battle: Rob Bilott's lengthy legal battle against DuPont showcases the challenges of holding corporations accountable for environmental and public health damages.

This movie raises awareness about the potential dangers of common household items and the importance of stringent regulations on hazardous chemicals.

The real life case behind the film

The real-life case behind the film Dark Waters involves attorney Rob Bilott and his legal battle against the chemical giant DuPont. Here's a summary of the key events:

1. Initial Contact: In 1998, a West Virginia farmer named Wilbur Tennant approached Rob Bilott, claiming that his cattle were dying mysteriously and he suspected a nearby DuPont plant was responsible.
2. Investigation: Bilott, who initially specialized in defending chemical companies, decided to investigate Tennant's claims. He discovered that DuPont had been dumping a toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) into local water sources for decades.
3. Legal Battle: Bilott filed a federal suit against DuPont in 1999, which eventually expanded into a class-action lawsuit representing thousands of people affected by the contamination.
4. Settlement: In 2017, Bilott won a $671 million settlement on behalf of over 3,500 plaintiffs who claimed they had contracted diseases from the chemicals DuPont allegedly knew were dangerous.
5. Ongoing Efforts: Bilott continues to fight against other companies involved in the production and use of similar chemicals, seeking justice for affected communities.

The film Dark Waters brings to light the environmental and health impacts of PFOA and the importance of corporate accountability.

In 2011, a court-appointed C8 Science Panel concluded that there is a probable link between PFOA and kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, pre-eclampsia and ulcerative colitis.

Safer Alternatives to Non-Stick Cookware

There are several safer alternatives to traditional non-stick cookware that you can consider for your kitchen. Here are some options:

1. Ceramic Non-Stick: Ceramic-coated cookware provides a non-stick surface without the use of harmful chemicals like PTFE (Teflon). However, ceramic coatings can be less durable and may need to be replaced more frequently.
2. Cast Iron: Cast iron pans develop a natural non-stick surface when properly seasoned. They are highly durable, retain heat well, and can be used on the stove, in the oven, and even on the grill. However, they are heavy and require regular maintenance.
3. Enameled Cast Iron: This is similar to cast iron but has a smooth, enamel coating that makes it easier to clean. It retains heat well and is versatile, but it can be more expensive and heats more slowly.
4. Carbon Steel: Carbon steel pans are lighter than cast iron and heat up faster. They also develop a non-stick surface with proper seasoning. However, they can be reactive to acidic foods and require regular maintenance.
5. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel cookware is non-reactive, durable, and requires minimal maintenance. While it doesn't have a natural non-stick surface, it can be used safely with proper cooking techniques.

Each of these alternatives has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to choose one that best fits your cooking style and preferences.

Besides, similar to the 'Dark Waters', there is a 2018 documentary film on Netflix called “The Devil We Know” which too is about a chemical compound used in the production of Teflon and DuPont’s role in covering up potential negative health impacts.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: 337 Tonnes of Toxic Waste Removal Process Beguns After 40 Years

After 40 years, the city of Bhopal has finally begun the process of removing the toxic waste left over from one of the world's worst tragic gas disaster in 1984. Recently, 337 metric tonnes of hazardous waste was transported from Bhopal to a disposal plant in Pithampur, about 230 km away. This move comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued a directive, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The waste is being transported in sealed containers under heavy security, and it will undergo incineration at the Pithampur Waste Management facility. The entire process is expected to take between three to nine months.

चालीस साल बाद भोपाल को इस कार्बाइड कारखाने के जहरीले कचरे से मुक्ति मिली #Bhopal pic.twitter.com/b2mhCYEW83

— Brajesh Rajput (@drbrajeshrajput) January 1, 2025

It's a significant step towards addressing the long-standing environmental and health concerns stemming from the disaster.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy was one of the worst industrial disasters in history. It occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Around 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the UCIL plant, exposing over 500,000 people.

The area around the plant remains contaminated, and the removal of toxic waste has been a long and contentious process.

The 40-Year Long Efforts

The Madhya Pradesh High Court played a crucial role by issuing a directive on December 3, 2024, setting a four-week deadline for the removal of the toxic waste. The court emphasized the urgency of the situation and warned of contempt proceedings if the directive was not followed.

The long-standing environmental and health impacts of the toxic waste on the local community were a significant driving force. The waste, which includes traces of Sevin pesticide and methyl isocyanate (MIC), posed serious risks to soil and groundwater.

Local activists and residents have been vocal about the need to address the toxic waste issue for decades. Their persistent efforts and protests helped keep the issue in the spotlight and pressured authorities to take action.

The Cleaning Process

The removal process involved meticulous planning and coordination. 12 specialized containers were used to transport the 337 metric tonnes of waste to the Pithampur Waste Management facility, located about 230 km from Bhopal. The convoy was escorted by police, ambulances, and fire brigade units to ensure safe transit.

To prevent environmental contamination, the waste will undergo Incineration, which involves burning waste materials at high temperatures, typically between 900°C and 1200°C. This high heat breaks down the waste into its basic components — ash, flue gas, and heat. Incineration significantly reduces the volume of waste, often by 80-85%.

The Incineration process will be done at the Pithampur facility, where smoke will pass through special filters to to remove harmful substances. The resulting ash will be tested and, if confirmed free of toxic elements, sealed and buried to avoid soil and water contamination.

The heat generated during incineration can be used to produce electricity or heat, making it a form of waste-to-energy technology.

The ash left after incineration is mostly inorganic and can be disposed of in landfills. In some cases, metals can be recovered from the ash for recycling. In some cases, metals can be recovered from the ash for recycling.

This coordinated effort reflects the culmination of years of advocacy, legal action, and environmental planning to finally address the toxic legacy of the Bhopal gas tragedy.

Murugappa Group to Acquire Germany's 259 Years-Old Hubergroup for $310 Mn

The Murugappa Group, in partnership with Avenue Capital Group, has agreed to acquire Hubergroup, a 259 years old German company, for an enterprise value of $310 million. This acquisition will help Murugappa expand its presence in the global print and packaging sector.

Founded in 1765, Hubergroup has grown from a small family-owned business to a global leader in the printing inks and chemicals industry, known for its dedication to quality and innovation.

In 2015, Hubergroup celebrated its 250th anniversary, marking its status as one of the world's largest ink manufacturers.

The acquisition deal includes $160 million to refinance Hubergroup's debt and a $150-million equity infusion from Murugappa.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to strengthen Hubergroup's market position and support its growth in key international markets.

Hubergroup has been facing significant debt issues. The company planned to take on substantial debt to buy equity in its subsidiaries from its parent company, MHM Holding GmbH. This led to financial challenges, and the company had to extend its repayment deadlines with the help of lenders.

The acquisition by the Murugappa Group includes $160 million to refinance Hubergroup's debt, highlighting the extent of its financial struggles.

The headquarters of Hubergroup is located in Grossenbrode, Germany. This is where the company's main operations and management are based.

Hubergroup is a significant player in the printing inks and chemicals industry. In India, Hubergroup India is the market leader with a 30% market share. The company serves major print media houses, packaging companies, and FMCG clients.

Apart from the this acquisition of Hubergroup, Murugappa Group-owned CG Power has announced plans to raise Rs 3,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to fund acquisitions and capex plans, including its foray into the semiconductor business.

Notably, Murugappa-owned CG Power acquired a 55% stake in GG Tronics India for Rs 319 crore to bolster its railways Business. The company has recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire the radio frequency components business of Renesas Electronics Corporation for $36 million, enabling it to enter the semiconductor design business

Adani Wilmar to Acquire 67% Stake in Omkar Chemicals for ₹56 Crore

Adani Wilmar Ltd, a joint venture between the Adani Group and Singapore's Wilmar Group, is set to acquire a 67% stake in Omkar Chemicals Industries Pvt Ltd. The acquisition is valued at ₹56 crore and is expected to be completed within 3-4 months.

In a regulatory filing on Thursday, Adani Wilmar said it has signed the share subscription and share purchase agreement to take a majority stake of 67 per cent in Omkar Chemicals Industries Pvt Ltd, a speciality chemicals company.

Omkar Chemicals operates a manufacturing plant in Panoli, Gujarat, with an annual capacity of around 20,000 tonnes of surfactants, which are key ingredients in detergents, soaps, and cleaning solutions, and also used in pesticides and herbicides to improve their effectiveness.

This move will enhance Adani Wilmar's presence in the speciality chemicals market, allowing them to better meet customer requirements.

With this acquisition, Adani Wilmar will gain access to Omkar Chemicals' manufacturing plant in Panoli, Gujarat, which produces surfactants. This expands their presence in the speciality chemicals market. With Omkar Chemicals' expertise, Adani Wilmar can diversify its product portfolio beyond edible oils and agri-commodities.

Omkar Speciality Chemicals Ltd is a chemical company based in Mumbai, India. The company is primarily engaged in the production of specialty chemicals and pharma intermediates. The product range of Omkar Speciality Chemicals includes iodine derivatives, methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, chloroiodomethane, and more.

Adani Wilmar, a joint venture between Adani Group and Singapore's Wilmar Group, is one of the largest consumer food FMCG companies in India. The company has a diversified product portfolio offering most of the primary kitchen essentials, including edible oil, wheat flour, rice, pulses, chickpea flour (besan) and sugar. It is also a leading player in oleochemicals.

L&T Delivers Two of World’s Heaviest EO Reactor for Chemical Giant BASF's Project in China

The Heavy Engineering vertical of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has dispatched two mammoth Ethylene Oxide (EO) Reactors for a project of the renowned chemical giant BASF in China. The reactors were dispatched from L&T’s A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex at Hazira in Gujarat.

Weighing 1,136 MT each, these are the world’s heaviest EO Reactors based on BASF’s technology. The reactors have been manufactured by deploying hi-tech engineering, Industry 4.0 manufacturing technology and world-class quality processes.

Headquartered in in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF ('Badische Anilin- und Sodafabri' in German or 'Baden Aniline and Soda Factory' in English), is a European multinational company and the largest chemical producer in the world.

EO Reactor is a crucial component in petrochemical plants. It facilitates the catalytic conversion of ethylene into ethylene oxide, which is a key intermediate in the production of various downstream chemicals.

Commenting on this, Mr Anil V Parab, Whole-time Director & Sr Executive Vice President – L&T Heavy Engineering & L&T Valves, said: “I thank BASF for giving L&T the opportunity to supply the most critical reactors for its prestigious project. Dispatching the reactors is indeed a matter of great pride for us. We, at L&T, are always committed to delivering reliable performance and unique customer experience to all our clients. We continue our benchmarked delivery performance despite global supply chain uncertainties.”

Mr Joachim Thiel, Senior Vice President & Senior Project Management New Verbund, BASF China, said: “This equipment, weighing 1,136 MT each, are the biggest EO Reactors ever built in almost 160 years of BASF history. These are critical supplies to the petrochemical project at Verbund in Zhanjiang to support the growth of the chemical market in China. Considering the complexity of this equipment, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all the dedicated colleagues from L&T and BASF who have contributed to this project. I am convinced that BASF made the absolute right decision to award these EO Reactors to L&T. This is definitely going to be a lighthouse for future collaborations between our companies.”

Dr Joachim Queisser, Senior Vice President, Global Technology, Safety & Quality, Petrochemicals, BASF, said: “The flag-off marks another important step in the continued strong collaboration between BASF and L&T. The L&T team has once again demonstrated remarkable capability, craftsmanship and competence in manufacturing these multi-tube reactors. I am very impressed by the work done at L&T. The ‘one team’ mindset demonstrated by L&T has been a cornerstone in the successful execution of this project. L&T has been and will continue to be a valuable partner in our journey to further develop our global footprint.”

BASF comprises subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80 countries, operating six integrated production sites and 390 other production sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa.

As of April 2023, BASF had 30 production facilities in China. CEO Martin Brudermüller held that Chinese revenue is essential to grow his European business in the face of "Europe’s high energy costs and stringent environmental rules.

L&T managing to secure such a significant project, especially in the face of China's prowess in high-end manufacturing, is indeed a moment of pride for all Indians and is a shining example of “Make in India” for the world.

Late last month, Larsen & Toubro announced that its Heavy Engineering division has manufactured one of the world's heaviest hydrotreating reactors, weighing 1,751 metric tons, for Mexico's Antonio Dovali Jaime Refinery.

Reliance Industries Becomes 1st Indian Company to Chemically Recycle Plastic Waste Into International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)-plus Certified Circular Polymers

The new innovation at Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery became the first refinery to get the important ISCC-Plus Certification. 

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), operator of the world's largest integrated refining and petrochemical complex, has become the first Indian company to chemically recycle plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)-Plus certified Circular Polymers. This new innovation is a testimony to RIL's commitment in reducing plastic waste and supporting Circular Economy in India.

Chemical recycling is a new development where the waste plastic, mechanically not recyclable, is converted to pyrolysis oil by suitable cracking of long polymer chain. Currently, most of the pyrolysis processes are based on thermal route which leads to lower yield and inferior quality of pyrolysis oil. RIL has developed a continuous catalytic pyrolysis technology which provides high yields of good quality pyrolysis oil from plastic waste. The process has been successfully demonstrated at demo scale.
RIL shipped its first batch of ISCC-Plus certified Circular Polymers, named CircuRepol™ (Polypropylene) and CircuRelene™ (Polyethylene).

RIL paves the way in India by using new technology to recycle plastic by converting plastic waste into special Circular Polymers, thereby making a positive impact on the environment. RIL’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its innovative methods like chemical recycling which help create a Circular Economy. The company firmly believes in finding smart solutions to reduce plastic waste and inspire others to join in this journey towards a greener future.

CircuRepol™ and CircuRelene™ have been designed to lead the way in Circular Economy practices. RIL's Jamnagar refinery became the first refinery to get the important ISCC-Plus certification, proving that it can produce Circular Polymers through chemical recycling.

The ISCC-Plus certification guarantees that traceability and rules are followed in making Circular Polymers.

RIL has developed a technology that turns different types of plastic waste, including single- use and multi-layered plastics, into pyrolysis oil. The company is working with trusted partners to increase the production of this oil and turn the yield into Circular Polymers.

Chemical recycling has many benefits, including turning plastic waste into high-quality materials for new plastic. These materials can be used for packaging that comes into contact with food.

About Reliance Industries Limited

Reliance is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated revenue of INR 9,74,864 crore (US$118.6 billion), cash profit INR 1,25,951 crore (US$ 15.3 billion) and net profit of INR 73,670 crore (US$9.0 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2023. Reliance’s activities span hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, advanced materials and composites, renewables (solar and hydrogen), retail and digital services.

Currently ranked 88th, Reliance is the largest private sector company from India to be featured in Fortune’s Global 500 list of 'World’s Largest Companies' for 2023. The company stands 45th in the Forbes Global 2000 rankings of 'World’s Largest Public Companies' for 2023, the highest among Indian companies. Reliance is the top-ranked Indian company and the only one in the top 100 on Forbes' 'World's Best Employers' 2023 list. Additionally, it is featured among LinkedIn’s 'Top Companies 2023: The 25 Best Workplaces To Grow Your Career In India.' Website: www.ril.com

Thermo Fisher Scientific Launches Exclusive Website for its Chemical Business Offerings in India

Equipped with customized search, customers can explore on-demand seminars and technical literature.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, announced the launch of a new website for its chemicals business offerings. This website will serve as a dedicated platform towards an extensive range of Laboratory and Production chemicals. The new website will bring all major chemical brands from Thermo Fisher Scientific including Alfa Aesar, Acros Organics, Fisher Chemicals, Qualigens, Fisher Bioregaents and Maybridge under one umbrella.

Qualigens, the locally manufactured brand in India, will have its first online presence through this website. This will enable customers to explore the chemicals portfolio and have a consistent digital experience.

Thermo Fisher invites customers from various segments including educational institutions, research and development, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, food & beverage and environmental sector, to get acquainted with the capabilities that the new website will offer. The website is equipped with customized chemical search capabilities like structure search and element search and options to view availability and pricing for specific brands. The website has also been designed to cater to distinct purchase lifecycles of buyers and customers, who can also explore on-demand seminars and technical literature.

"At Thermo Fisher, we offer a robust portfolio of chemicals that are used from bench to production spanning across industries. I am delighted that this website is getting launched at a time when our customers need us more than ever digitally. Customers can now access our chemical brands and experience our entire portfolio offering, all in one place.With this new platform we are now one step ahead in serving our customers better.” said Amit Chopra, managing director, India and Middle East, Thermo Fisher Scientific

“The global coronavirus outbreak is a powerful reminder of the importance of our mission- to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We are profoundly aware of our obligation towards our customers as essential partners and these initiatives reinforce our commitment to serve our customers”, said Amit.

The website is exclusive to India. Login to the new website to explore the company's solutions at https://www.thermofisher.in/chemicals/en/home.html

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $25 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 75,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon.