LyondellBasell plans to permanently close one of its two polypropylene (PP) plants at Brindisi, Italy, due to increasingly difficult market conditions and a poor outlook. The company has not disclosed which plant is affected, nor has it provided a timeline for the planned closure.
LyondellBasell said it has started talks with trade unions regarding potential redundancies related to the closure.
“After thorough analysis, we believe that closure of this unit is the most sustainable solution from a strategic and financial standpoint,” said Jim Guilfoyle, senior vice president Olefins and Polyolefins EAMEI of LyondellBasell. “We understand the intended closure may impact some of our employees. We are committed to discuss solutions with unions and social parties to support them in the best way possible. The supply to our customers will continue.”
Guilfoyle added: “This unit is the oldest of its kind in the world and it has become uncompetitive. The market environment for our polypropylene products of this Brindisi unit has become increasingly challenging, and the outlook provides little improvement. The intention of our group is to strengthen the position of the company’s other assets in higher value markets.”
LyondellBasell’s Brindisi site produces materials for the production of textiles, food packaging, and other applications.
Source: chemanager-online.com
PPG announced that Kevin Braun, currently senior vice president, industrial coatings segment, will become senior vice president, operations, effective October 1, 2024. Braun will succeed Ram Vadlamannati, who announced his intention to retire from PPG after 25 years with the company.
Johnson Matthey announced its new Nature Strategy, outlining the company’s commitments and actions to minimise its environmental footprint, promote circularity, and enhance the local environments and communities where it operates. The strategy sets ambitious goals for the responsible use of natural resources.
Azelis has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Hortimex, a Polish speciality chemicals distributor active in the food ingredients and nutraceuticals segments. Hortimex is a distributor of food ingredients with a particular focus on non-meat applications, such as human nutrition, functional preparations, confectionery and bakery.
