In a significant move towards sustainability, Ineos Inovyn, a subsidiary of the British chemical giant Ineos, has revealed plans to integrate solar energy into its PVC production facility in Jemeppe, Belgium. This pioneering initiative marks a substantial step in reducing carbon emissions associated with one of Europe’s largest PVC production plants, boasting a capacity of 420 thousand tons annually. The project involves a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to secure all renewable electricity generated at the Jemeppe site. Ineos Inovyn’s commitment to sustainable practices takes a tangible form with the introduction of solar energy into its PVC production process at the Jemeppe plant in Belgium. As one of the largest PVC production facilities in Europe, with an impressive annual capacity of 420 thousand tons, the Jemeppe site is set to undergo a transformation with the implementation of a 60 MW solar installation. This significant venture is not only a testament to In...

It is difficult to write about chemicals markets without drawing on a myriad of gloom-and-doom metaphors. Outlooks dimmed after European suppliers (in some chemicals sub-sectors) saw offtake volumes plunge at alarming rates in a relatively short period of time in late Q3 and early Q4. Producers of various feedstocks and raw materials continue to lose market share to vastly cheaper Asian imported material. Values have yet to find bottom levels while – in some business segments – differentials to the tune of €2000/ton continue to exist between Asian and European prices.  However, there may be small glimmers of hope on the horizon… Some buyers have been actively destocking expensive inventory since September. At the same time, the Asian and European run rates for some chemicals are being turned down due to poor economics and low demand. Is it possible therefore, that the European market could hit the sweet spot of less availability and a surge of restocking early in 2023? Free ...