#chemicals-basf

[tonyrossmcmahon]

Zyklon B - the murderous Nazi chemical

Zyklon B was developed as a fumigating agent but used to commit mass murder in Nazi concentration camps. Chemicals company I.G. Farben denied any knowledge of its application. So who was to blame? #holocaust #history

This month, thoughts turn to the Nazi Holocaust. Watching one of many TV documentaries last night was intensely depressing. It still never fails to shock. How a government in Europe set about the mass murder of millions of people. Even more appalling are the experiments conducted by Nazi scientists perfecting the means to kill a huge number of people. It’s the story of how Zyklon B – an…

[head-post]

Explosion at BASF chemical plant in Germany, 14 people injured

An explosion occurred at a BASF chemical plant in the German city of Ludwigshafen on Monday, Bild reports.

An explosion occurred at BASF, Germany’s largest chemical plant. It was followed by a massive fire that injured 14 people.

BASF representatives later reported that the fire had been extinguished by 2:00 p.m. At the same time, no exceedance of permissible concentrations of hazardous substances in the air was recorded.

The city authorities warned local residents of the danger due to the release of combustion products into the air. There is no information about the causes of the incident yet.

The company’s shares fell 2 per cent at midday after falling 2.8 per cent earlier on news of the fire.

Read more HERE

[chemicalandmore]

DUNG MÔI CÔNG NGHIỆP LÀ GÌ? MUA Ở ĐÂU TỐT?

CÔNG TY TNHH MỘT THÀNH VIÊN HÓA CHẤT 3T

Văn Phòng: 6/5 Tân Hòa, Tân Hiệp , Hóc Môn , Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh

[notayesmanseconomics]

Germany revises GDP growth further into recessionary territory

This  morning we have an example of news which in itself deserves to grab some headlines but also has quite a few consequences. So let me had you over to the German statistics office. WIESBADEN – The gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2022 – adjusted for price, seasonal and calendar effects. As reported by the Federal…

[thetemplarknight]

Zyklon B - the murderous Nazi chemical

Zyklon B was developed as a fumigating agent but used to commit mass murder in Nazi concentration camps. Chemicals company I.G. Farben denied any knowledge of its application. So who was to blame? #holocaust #history

This month, thoughts turn to the Nazi Holocaust. Watching one of many TV documentaries last night was intensely depressing. It still never fails to shock. How a government in Europe set about the mass murder of millions of people. Even more appalling are the experiments conducted by Nazi scientists perfecting the means to kill a huge number of people. It’s the story of how Zyklon B – an…

[swisstrainphotos]

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[simply-ivanka]

Germany Should Have Listened to Trump

Tuesday 2.27.2024 Wall Street Journal

By Walter Russell Mead

Trump was right about Berlin’s self-defense and risky energy dependence on Russia.

The lower house of Germany’s Parliament voted to legalize the recreational use of cannabis last week. It was a timely move. Germany’s leadership class is going to need all the mellow it can find in a world that isn’t going Germany’s way.

Russian advances in Ukraine and American paralysis over the next aid package are reinforcing the reality that Germany needs to defend itself but lacks the power to do so. So are developments in the Red Sea, where German manufacturers must cope with shipping delays as the Biden administration fails to keep the vital waterway clear.

Forget the 2% of gross domestic product that Germany has repeatedly promised and failed to spend on defense. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius shocked many observers this month when he said that in the new world situation, Germany may have to spend as much as 3.5% of GDP for defense.

The economic news is also grim. Last year Germany’s GDP shrank 0.3%, and last week the government slashed 2024 growth estimates to a pitiful 0.2%. Economists expect negative growth during the first quarter of 2024, placing the country in recession. The outlook for housing is bleak, with business confidence reaching all-time lows. The news in manufacturing is little better. This month the widely followed HCOB German Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 46.1, the eighth month in a row that the index has pointed to decreasing economic activity.

Energy prices are a particular sore spot. The chemical giant BASF announced €1 billion in spending cuts in its German operations, blaming a mix of weak demand in the German market and “structurally higher energy prices.” Enormous U.S. subsidies under the so-called Inflation Reduction Act are leading German companies to look across the Atlantic.

Chinese competition is another massive worry. China long ago passed Germany as the world’s largest car producer. Increasingly, especially in electric vehicles, it is challenging Germany as both a low-cost and high-quality manufacturer. Beijing aims to marginalize German capital goods and automobile companies in China while Chinese exporters challenge German dominance in world markets.

With the associations representing the small and medium-size Mittelstand firms that make up the heart of the German economy warning in a rare joint open letter about Germany’s loss of competitiveness, Economy Minister Robert Habeck isn’t mincing words. The economy is in “rough waters.” The “competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location” is in doubt.

It isn’t all doom and gloom. The outlook for the service sector is brighter than for manufacturing, and as the Journal reported last week, the Ifo Institute’s business-climate index improved slightly this month. The best that can be said for the outlook? “The German economy is stabilizing at a low level,” according to Ifo’s president.

Meanwhile, Germany’s dysfunctional three-party coalition government is paralyzed by internal struggles. The largest party in the coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), is deeply divided over foreign policy, with many nostalgic for good relations with Russia and allergic to military spending. The SPD also wants Biden-like government spending initiatives to revive the German industrial machine and expand social benefits. The Greens, the next-largest party, are by German standards foreign-policy hawks but continue to press for a rapid energy transition that drives up costs for business and consumers. The third party in the coalition, the Free Democrats, wants to hold the line on government spending. As if this weren’t enough trouble, the conservative opposition parties have a blocking minority in Parliament’s upper house.

This is not where Germans thought they would be. Sixteen months ago, I visited Berlin and heard from a stream of government officials, think tankers and economists that everything was working fine. Russia was failing in Ukraine. The energy transition would boost German competitiveness and employment. Germany’s Mittelstand would handle anything China could throw at it.

Under the circumstances, it’s no surprise that antiestablishment parties are growing in Germany. The far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) currently has more support than any of the governing parties, with one recent poll showing the AfD at 19%, the Social Democrats at 14%, the Greens at 13%, and the Free Democrats at 4%.

The most bitter pill of all for Germany’s establishment may be the realization that on the most important issues facing Germany, Donald Trump was right where they were wrong. Getting in bed with Vladimir Putin for cheap energy was both foolish and deeply disloyal to the West. German defense policy was self-defeating and dangerous. China wasn’t a reliable partner.

“Ich bin ein Berliner,” was President John F. Kennedy’s message to Germany. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, his message will likely be “Das habe ich gleich gesagt,” or “I told you so.”

[rupalic]

Growth Strategies Adopted by Major Players in Turf Protection Market

In the dynamic landscape of the turf protection industry, key players like Syngenta Crop Protection AG (Switzerland), UPL Limited (India), Corteva Agriscience (US), Nufarm (US), Bayer AG (Germany), and BASF SE (Germany) are at the forefront of innovation and market expansion. These industry leaders are driving growth through strategic initiatives such as partnerships, acquisitions, and cutting-edge product developments, solidifying their positions as influential forces in shaping the future of the turf protection industry. Their efforts not only enhance their global presence but also set new benchmarks for industry standards and customer expectations. The global turf protection market size is estimated to reach $8.1 billion by 2028, growing at a 4.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The market size was valued $6.4 billion in 2023.

Top Global Turf Protection Leaders to Watch in 2024

· Syngenta Crop Protection AG (Switzerland)

· UPL Limited (India)

· Corteva Agriscience (US)

· Nufarm (US)

· Bayer AG (Germany)

· BASF SE (Germany)

· SDS Biotech K.K. (Japan)

· AMVAC Chemical Corporation (US)

· Bioceres Crop Solutions (Argentina)

· Colin Campbell (Chemicals) Pty Ltd (Australia)

· ICL Group Ltd. (US)

Investments and Innovations: Key Strategies of Top Turf Protection Companies

🌱 Syngenta Crop Protection AG: Leading the Way in Integrated Pest Management

Syngenta Crop Protection AG, a global agribusiness based in Switzerland, operates prominently in the crop protection and seeds markets. The company offers a comprehensive range of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and seed treatments, helping growers worldwide enhance agricultural productivity and food quality. With a presence in over 90 countries, Syngenta’s reach is truly global. In October 2020, Syngenta further strengthened its position by acquiring Valagro, a leading biologicals company. Valagro’s strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America complements Syngenta’s existing crop protection chemicals. This acquisition allows Syngenta to offer more integrated pest management strategies that reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, while Valagro’s expertise in plant nutrition promotes healthier turfgrass growth and improved soil health.

Know about the assumptions considered for the study

🌍 UPL Limited: Innovating Turf Management Solutions Globally

UPL Limited, formerly known as United Phosphorus Limited, is a global agrochemical company based in India, providing a wide range of agricultural solutions, including crop protection products, seeds, and post-harvest solutions. UPL is a key player in turf management, offering innovative solutions for golf courses, sports fields, and other turf areas. Their product portfolio includes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators, all designed to enhance turf quality and health while effectively controlling pests and diseases. Operating in over 130 countries across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, UPL has 28 manufacturing sites worldwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the global turf protection market.

🏆 Bayer AG: Streamlining for a Focused Future in Turf Protection

Bayer AG, a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, operates across three business segments: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science. The company’s Crop Science division caters to the turf protection market, offering products such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. With operations in over 90 countries, including regions like North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, Bayer maintains a strong global presence. In March 2022, Bayer sold its Environmental Science Professional business, which includes turf protection products, to private equity firm Cinven for USD 2.6 billion. This strategic divestment is part of Bayer’s ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on core businesses, ensuring a more focused approach to its future operations.

[thebusylilbee]

As Marlene Engelhorn made her way through Davos last week, she was greeted a handful of times with expletives. The frosty welcome was not necessarily aimed directly at the millionaire heiress, but rather the message emblazoned on the metre-high placard she was lugging around with her: “Tax the Rich.” Since 2021, Engelhorn, whose wealth traces back to the German chemical company BASF and pharmaceutical company Boehringer Mannheim, has called for taxes to be raised on herself and her peers in the 1%. She’s now taking matters into her own hands. “I’m basically creating the tax that I would want to pay,” the 31-year-old said. “Since the government failed to tax me and fails to this day to tax me.” [...]

[darkmaga-retard]

Chemical Conglomerate BASF Joins Volkswagen, Audi, ThyssenKrupp on the List of Struggling Companies

Lena Petrova, CPA

Sep 20, 2024

The German economy is not getting off the ground. Once the industrial powerhouse of Europe, Germany’s economy has been on a downward spiral since the 2019 health crisis. Just as a recovery was briefly in sight, the EU’s multistep self-sanctioning campaign resulted in Europe’s industrial powerhouse losing access to cost-effective energy resources. As if that wasn’t enough, the EU’s initiative to decouple from its biggest trade partner, China, became the final stroke.

The Kiel Institute explained that the economy of Germany is increasingly facing a crisis that is both cyclical and structural in nature:

“Positive signals in the middle of the year have not been confirmed, which is why we are revising our expectations for this year and the coming year significantly downwards. GDP is likely to fall by 0.1 percent in 2024 (vs. summer forecast +0.2 percent). For 2025, economic growth expectations are down from 1.1 percent to 0.5 percent. The unemployment rate is likely to rise to up to 6.1 percent.”

Due to the fact that Germany is the biggest economy in Europe, other European countries are likely to experience similar negative economic trends. Financial Times recently revealed that Swedish Northvolt, a sub-Arctic battery company, despite raising more capital than any other private group in Europe — more than $15 billion in equity, debt, and government support - is now struggling to secure funds as it is forced to scale down and cut jobs.

[chemanufhout44]

Chemical Manufacturing Companies in Houston

The Role of Chemical Manufacturing Companies in Houston

Introduction

Houston, Texas, is a powerhouse in the world of energy and industrial production, with a particularly strong reputation in the chemical manufacturing sector. The city is often referred to as the "Energy Capital of the World," but it’s also a critical hub for chemical production, contributing significantly to the global supply chain. Chemical manufacturing companies in Houston are at the forefront of innovation, producing a wide range of chemicals that are essential for numerous industries, from healthcare and agriculture to electronics and automotive manufacturing. This article delves into the importance of these companies, the range of products they create, and their impact on both the local and global economy.

The Significance of Houston’s Chemical Manufacturing Industry

Houston’s strategic location near the Gulf of Mexico, coupled with its extensive infrastructure, makes it an ideal location for chemical manufacturing. The city is home to the largest petrochemical complex in the United States, and this has fostered a robust ecosystem of chemical manufacturing companies. These companies benefit from the proximity to raw materials, such as oil and natural gas, which are essential inputs for chemical production. Additionally, the city’s well-established logistics network, including ports, railways, and highways, facilitates the efficient distribution of chemical products both domestically and internationally.

The chemical manufacturing industry in Houston is not only a major contributor to the local economy but also plays a critical role in supporting other industries. The chemicals produced in Houston are used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and countless other products that are integral to modern life. Without the chemicals manufactured in Houston, many industries would struggle to maintain their current levels of production and innovation.

Key Players in Houston's Chemical Manufacturing Sector

Several major companies dominate the chemical manufacturing landscape in Houston, each contributing to the industry’s strength and diversity. These companies range from multinational corporations to specialized firms that focus on niche markets.

Dow Chemical Company: One of the largest chemical manufacturers in the world, Dow has a significant presence in Houston. The company produces a vast array of chemicals, including plastics, performance materials, and agricultural products. Dow’s Houston operations are integral to its global supply chain, enabling the company to meet the demands of industries across the globe.

ExxonMobil Chemical: As a division of one of the largest oil companies in the world, ExxonMobil Chemical plays a crucial role in the production of petrochemicals. The company’s Houston facilities produce a wide range of products, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers that are used in packaging, automotive components, and consumer goods. ExxonMobil Chemical’s innovations in polymer technology have helped drive advancements in material science, contributing to the development of lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products.

LyondellBasell: This company is one of the largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies in the world. With its headquarters in Houston, LyondellBasell is a key player in the production of polypropylene, polyethylene, and advanced polymers. The company’s products are used in a variety of applications, from packaging and textiles to automotive parts and medical devices. LyondellBasell is also a leader in sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy practices.

BASF Corporation: A subsidiary of the German chemical giant BASF SE, BASF Corporation operates several facilities in the Houston area. The company produces a wide range of chemicals, including those used in agriculture, automotive, and construction industries. BASF is known for its commitment to innovation, investing heavily in research and development to create new and improved chemical products that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

The Impact of Chemical Manufacturing on the Local Economy

The chemical manufacturing industry is a major driver of economic activity in Houston. The sector provides thousands of high-paying jobs, ranging from engineers and chemists to skilled laborers and logistics professionals. These jobs not only support the livelihoods of those directly employed by chemical manufacturing companies but also create a ripple effect throughout the local economy. For example, the presence of a strong chemical manufacturing sector attracts other businesses, such as suppliers, contractors, and service providers, further boosting economic growth in the region.

In addition to job creation, chemical manufacturing companies in Houston contribute significantly to the city’s tax base. The revenue generated from these taxes helps fund essential public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the industry’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability has led to the development of new technologies and processes that have the potential to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency across various sectors.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

While the chemical manufacturing industry in Houston is vital to the economy, it also presents challenges, particularly in terms of environmental impact and safety. The production of chemicals involves the use of hazardous materials, and if not properly managed, these materials can pose risks to both human health and the environment.

To address these concerns, chemical manufacturing companies in Houston are subject to stringent regulations enforced by federal and state agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These regulations govern everything from emissions and waste disposal to workplace safety standards. Companies are required to implement comprehensive safety and environmental management systems to minimize risks and ensure compliance with these regulations.

Many chemical manufacturers in Houston have gone beyond regulatory requirements, adopting best practices in sustainability and safety. For instance, companies like LyondellBasell and BASF have implemented programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and promote the use of renewable energy sources. These initiatives not only help protect the environment but also enhance the companies’ reputations and appeal to customers who prioritize sustainability.

The Future of Chemical Manufacturing in Houston

The chemical manufacturing industry in Houston is poised for continued growth, driven by advancements in technology, increasing demand for chemicals, and the city’s strategic advantages. However, the industry will also need to navigate challenges related to environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and global competition.

One of the key trends shaping the future of chemical manufacturing in Houston is the shift towards sustainability. As consumers and businesses become more environmentally conscious, there is increasing pressure on chemical manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt more sustainable practices. This shift is likely to drive innovation in areas such as green chemistry, renewable feedstocks, and circular economy models.

Another important trend is the growing role of digitalization in chemical manufacturing. Companies are increasingly using digital technologies, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation, to improve efficiency, optimize production processes, and enhance safety. These technologies have the potential to transform the industry, enabling companies to operate more sustainably and respond more quickly to changing market demands.

Conclusion

Chemical manufacturing companies in Houston play a critical role in the global supply chain, producing essential chemicals that support a wide range of industries. The city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and access to raw materials make it an ideal hub for chemical production. As the industry continues to evolve, driven by trends in sustainability and digitalization, Houston’s chemical manufacturers will be at the forefront of innovation, contributing to economic growth and helping to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

In conclusion, the chemical manufacturing industry in Houston is a vital part of the city’s economy and a key player on the global stage. By continuing to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and safety, these companies will not only maintain their competitive edge but also contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

[reasoningdaily]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/12/17/19/us-tech-giants-sued-over-cobalt-mine-child-labor-deaths

US tech giants sued over cobalt mine child labor deaths

NEW YORK - Five US tech giants including Apple, Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet have been named in a lawsuit over the death of child laborers in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Impoverished but mineral-rich DR Congo is the world's largest producer of the rare metal, which is crucial for making batteries used in mobile phones and electric vehicles.

The case was lodged Sunday in the name of 14 unidentified victims, who are members of the families of children killed in tunnel collapses, as well as children maimed as they worked.

It lists Apple, Google's parent company Alphabet, Dell, Microsoft and Tesla as defendants and was submitted by the International Rights Advocates (IRA) campaign group to a Washington tribunal.

A boom in the technological sector has led to a huge increase in the demand for cobalt, IRA wrote in its statement, adding the tech companies were aware the DR Congo's mining sector relies on children. 

Child miners work for $2-3 a day "under stone age conditions for paltry wages and at immense personal risk", it said.

BMW along with German chemical giant BASF and Samsung announced a joint project to ensure "responsible" cobalt mining in DR Congo earlier this year.

The mining industry has said it wants to adopt standards of good governance to improve working conditions.

The London Metal Exchange, the global center for trading in industrial metals, recently adopted new ethical standards to ensure better traceability of raw materials, including cobalt.

And earlier this year, the World Gold Council issued "Responsible Gold Mining Principles", although the guidance is non-binding.

[beardedmrbean]

Rights campaigners have for years accused Beijing of a crackdown against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, including through forced labour and detention camps.

Beijing denies allegations of abuse and insists its actions in Xinjiang have helped to combat extremism and enhance development.

Germany's Handelsblatt financial daily reported this week that forced labour may have been used to build a test track for VW in Turpan, Xinjiang in 2019.

VW said Wednesday it had seen no evidence of human rights violations in connection with the project but vowed to investigate any new information that came to light.

In a statement sent to AFP, Beijing's foreign ministry said allegations of abuses in the region were "entirely a lie concocted... with the aim of destabilising Xinjiang".

It urged firms to "respect the facts, distinguish right from wrong, and not be blinded by lies".

In an apparent sign of the growing pressure on VW over its presence in the region, the company said this week that it was in talks with its Chinese joint-venture partner SAIC "about the future direction of business activities in Xinjiang".

"Various scenarios are currently being intensively examined," VW said in a statement.

Beijing said Thursday that "the human rights of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are protected to the maximum extent".

Claims of rights abuses in the northwestern region, it added, were aimed at "discrediting and suppressing China".

"Xinjiang currently enjoys social stability, economic development, ethnic unity, and religious harmony," the foreign ministry said.

Rights concerns

Beijing stands accused of incarcerating over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a network of detention facilities across Xinjiang.

Campaigners and Uyghurs overseas have said an array of abuses take place inside the facilities, including torture, forced labour, forced sterilisation and political indoctrination.

A UN report in 2022 detailed "credible" evidence of torture, forced medical treatment and sexual or gender-based violence -- as well as forced labour -- in the region.

But it stopped short of labelling Beijing's actions a "genocide", as the United States and some Western lawmakers have done.

Calls have grown louder for VW to reconsider its business activities in Xinjiang after German chemicals giant BASF announced last week that it would accelerate its exit from two joint ventures there.

Xinjiang is home to numerous factories that supply multinational companies, including big-name Western brands.

VW has long come under scrutiny over its factory in the city of Urumqi, which opened in 2013 and in which it has a stake via its partner SAIC.

An external audit commissioned by VW last year found no evidence of forced labour among the plant's 197 employees.

But the consultancy that wrote the report acknowledged "the challenges in collecting data" for audits in China.

The Turpan test track was not part of the audit.

[fandom-geek]

An Austro-German heiress is setting up a citizens group to decide how she should give away much of the fortune she inherited from her grandmother. Marlene Engelhorn, who is 31 and lives in Vienna, wants 50 Austrians to determine how €25m (£21.5m) of her inheritance should be redistributed. "I have inherited a fortune, and therefore power, without having done anything for it," she said. "And the state doesn't even want taxes on it." Austria abolished inheritance tax in 2008, one of a handful of European countries that do not impose inheritance tax - or death duties. Ms Engelhorn believes that is unfair. She is a descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn, the founder of German chemical and pharmaceutical company, BASF, and inherited millions when her grandmother died in September 2022. [...] On Wednesday, 10,000 invitations targeting randomly selected Austrian citizens began arriving in letterboxes in Austria. Those who wish to take part in Ms Engelhorn's initiative, known as the Good Council for Redistribution, can register online or by phone. From that initial sample of 10,000 Austrians who are all aged over 16, 50 people will be chosen, with 15 substitute members also selected in case of dropouts. "If politicians don't do their job and redistribute, then I have to redistribute my wealth myself," she explained in her statement. "Many people struggle to make ends meet with a full-time job, and pay taxes on every euro they earn from work. I see this as a failure of politics, and if politics fails, then the citizens have to deal with it themselves."

[zvaigzdelasas]

Fresh tensions between France and Germany are challenging their relationship at a time when their unity is critical for broader European policy in tackling the energy crisis.

The leaders of the two nations will meet in Paris on Wednesday, but this encounter almost got canceled. [...]

France and Germany have had their differences over how to tackle the energy crisis. While, for example, France defended a cap on European gas prices, the German government only agreed to do so last week — and with several conditions attached.

Germany has also been criticized for approving a 200 billion euro ($200.2 billion) rescue package looking to support German companies and families while blocking steps at the EU level to raise more money and support European nations with less fiscal room.[...]

In addition, there are concerns in the broader EU about Scholz's upcoming trip to China and for looking to do business with a nation that is increasingly deemed as a rival to European countries. There are also issues with Germany's long delay in delivering weapons to Ukraine.

26 Oct 22

After publicly falling out, Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron have found something they agree on: mounting alarm over unfair competition from the U.S. and the potential need for Europe to hit back.

The German chancellor and the French president discussed their joint concerns during nearly three-and-a-half hours of talks over a lunch of fish, wine and Champagne in Paris on Wednesday.

They agreed that recent American state subsidy plans represent market-distorting measures that aim to convince companies to shift their production to the U.S., according to people familiar with their discussions. And that is a problem they want the European Union to address.[...]

The message from the Paris lunch is: If the U.S. doesn't scale back, then the EU will have to strike back. Similar incentive schemes for companies will be needed to avoid unfair competition or losing investments. That move would risk plunging transatlantic relations into a new trade war.[...]

Scholz is not a big fan of Macron’s wording of a "Buy European Act" as it evokes the nearly 90-year-old "Buy American Act," which is often criticized for being protectionist because it favors American companies. But the chancellor shares Macron’s concerns about unfair competitive advantages, the people said.

Earlier this month, Scholz said publicly that Europe will have to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act with the U.S. "in great depth."

In a blow to Germany’s industrial core, chemical giant BASF announced plans Wednesday to reduce its business activities and jobs in Germany, with company chief Martin Brudermüller citing heightened gas prices — which he criticized for being six times as high as in the U.S. — as well as increasing EU regulation as the reason.

27 Oct 22

[lovingtyphooncupcake]

Paints and Coatings Additives Market: Driving Sustainable and High-Performance Solutions

The global paints and coatings additives market is expected to reach USD 12,659.4 million by 2027, driven by the increasing demand for high-performance, sustainable, and eco-friendly coatings. Additives play a crucial role in improving the properties of paints and coatings, such as durability, color retention, and scratch resistance. Manufacturers are constantly innovating to develop additives that can meet the evolving needs of the market and provide effective solutions.

Information Source - https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/paints-coatings-additives-market-101810

One of the major trends driving the paints and coatings additives market is the growing demand for sustainable coatings. Consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of the environmental impact of the products they use and prefer eco-friendly options. This has led to a rise in demand for coatings that are made from natural and biodegradable materials, free from harmful chemicals, and do not contribute to pollution.

To meet the demand for sustainable coatings, manufacturers are developing additives that can improve the performance and sustainability of paints and coatings. For example, there are additives that help to enhance the water resistance, adhesion, and color stability of coatings, while also reducing the amount of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during application. Such additives allow manufacturers to produce coatings that are not only sustainable but also high-performing, durable, and long-lasting.

Another trend driving the paints and coatings additives market is the increasing use of technology to enhance the properties of coatings. Additives that can improve the scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and corrosion resistance of coatings are in high demand by various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Coatings that can withstand extreme weather conditions and protect against harsh chemicals and corrosive materials are essential for the longevity and performance of products.

In addition to the properties mentioned above, additives are also used to improve the functionality of coatings. For example, there are additives that help to create a non-stick surface, reduce friction, and provide a smooth finish. Such coatings are used in a variety of applications, including cookware, medical devices, and machinery.

The paints and coatings additives market is highly competitive, with many players competing to provide innovative solutions. Some of the major players in the market include BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Evonik Industries AG, Eastman Chemical Company, and AkzoNobel N.V. These companies are constantly investing in research and development to come up with new and improved additives that can meet the needs of the market.

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for paints and coatings additives, accounting for a significant share of the global market. The region is witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization, which has led to a rise in demand for paints and coatings in various industries, such as automotive, construction, and aerospace. In addition, the region has a large population and a growing middle class, which is driving the demand for sustainable and high-performing coatings.

In conclusion, the paints and coatings additives market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the demand for sustainable, high-performing, and functional coatings. Additives play a crucial role in improving the properties of coatings, and manufacturers are constantly innovating to develop new and improved solutions. With the increasing focus on sustainability and the use of technology, the market for paints and coatings additives is poised for substantial growth.