A research team involving Evonik and the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) in germany has claimed a breakthrough in hydroformylation, an important reaction in industrial organic chemistry where unsaturated compounds are converted into aldehydes and alcohols using synthesis gas. This has been published in Science.
SK Capital Partners have made an investment in VanDeMark Chemical in partnership with Comvest Partners, which has been a co-owner since 2019. The amount involved was not disclosed but VanDeMark said that this would “serve as a catalyst for a new strategic direction as the company seeks to deepen and expand its presence in fine chemistries for the global life science market”.
Evonik has opened a $2.5 million ‘innovation hub’ at its site in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Described as part of its broader globalisation strategy for RD&I, this comprises several testing and processing labs, a pilot plant and a newly designed collaboration space “to support a hybrid and creative work environment”. In all, it will create 50 jobs for scientists, engineers and lab technicians, in addition to 300 already there.
Speciality chemical manufacturer and formulator Seatex has acquired ChemQuest Chemicals, a custom chemical manufacturer, with immediate effects. Terms were not disclosed. Both companies are based in Texas.
Seatex said that this will give it “enhanced production capabilities, increased capacity and a complementary customer base, representing a diverse set of end-markets”, while also making it one of the largest custom toll manufacturers in the state.
At a cost of €12 million and in response to environmental legislation, Lanxess has commissioned a new biological wastewater treatment plant at its site at Kallo, near Antwerp. This has a capacity of 260,000 L/hour and also treats wastewater from two other companies. The site makes rubber chemicals and glass fibres.
Clariant has agreed to sell its global quaternary ammonium compounds to Global Amines Company, its Singapore-based 50-50 joint venture with Wilmar, for $113 million. Subject to regulatory approval and standard closing conditions, this is expected to close in 1H 2023.
Amit Gandhi and Amita Parekh, managing directors and partners at BCG, look at the opportunities for Indian CDMOS in the global agrochemical industry
If one were to imagine the ‘ideal’ industry for India’s chemical exports, it would most likely be globally relevant, with customers who outsource a significant percentage of the critical synthesis steps, and have a strong need for innovation and IP protection. agrochemical CDMO industry ticks all these boxes.
