It’s not so many weeks back that a shortage of trucks and containers, low water on the Rhine, meant that producers could not meet demand. More recently, the production of energy-intensive chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, VCM and so on has been slashed by 30% to 50% and more in some cases. As ICIS reported recent shutdowns and premature turnarounds are everywhere.
As you say, the European petchem sector is readying for some tough quarters ahead as industrial activity and consumer demand turns down. It’s a different picture in the US where demand remains strong and low-priced product is finding its way to Europe.
So is this the best time ever to find a new role in the chemical industry – if you are in Europe, you would expect me to say probably not. But actually, it depends. So let me give you four answers to this question:
By Andrew Kris, Borderless
Source: linkedin.com
We are closing the chapter of the Chemicals Import Export Headquarters, and opening a new chapter under the name of Qemetica – a chemical group driving many industries on all continents. Therefore, the change of name is also accompanied by the adoption of the key goals of the business strategy for the next 6 years. – says Kamil Majczak, President of the Management Board.
In its efforts to advance chemical recycling, Neste has successfully conducted its first processing trial run with a new challenging raw material, liquefied discarded tires. In the processing run, Neste produced high-quality raw material for new plastics and chemicals.
Sika is opening a state-of-the-art facility in Lima, Peru, to produce synthetic macro fibers, and expanding the rollout of a product range with great growth potential in Latin America. With this innovative technology, Sika is further strengthening its position as a leading supplier to the mining industry and a strong partner for infrastructure projects.