View reports and abstracts on these sustainability topics:
Carbon Certification on Biofuels
Three EU countries (Germany, the Netherlands and the UK) are planning to tax biofuels according to their carbon footprints. The EU has picked up the idea as well (its legislation, if passed, would apply to all 27 member states) and so has the US federal government. The basic principle of carbon certification is that to qualify for tax relief or subsidy, a biofuel must have carbon footprint 20-40% lower than the ‘reference’ petrofuel it putatively substitutes.
Fine in principle, except in practice, the governments disagree as to which fuels qualify....
Chemical Management Services
Chemical management services—or CMS—is an evolving business segment of the chemical supply business....
Polymers from Biomass
Increasingly, biomass is being utilized as a source of organic compounds—including polymers and their intermediate monomers and comonomers....
Securing Scarce Elements
Many elements are used sparingly by the chemical industry, but that their use is small in volume compared with petrochemicals does not mean they are commensurately unimportant....
Sorbitol
Abstract
Developed in the 1950s, sorbitol is now the most consumed sugar alcohol. In all applications, demand for sorbitol is largely a function of its unique combination of functional properties as a humectant, sweetener, bulking agent, stabilizer, softener, emulsifier, and its surface-active properties. Use in personal care products (mainly toothpaste), food and confections and in the manufacture of vitamin C accounted for 78% of world consumption in 2007; these applications will continue to account for over 75% of world demand in the near future....
Briefing Paper: Cefic's Long-range Research Initiative (LRI)
Cefic's Long-range Research Initiative (LRI) is part of the chemical industry’s programme to address societal concerns and boost understanding of the long-term impacts of its products and processes. LRI was set up in Europe in 1998 by Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council and is celebrating its...
Will biodiesel be ever competitive as a fuel?
(White Paper) Over the past few years biofuels in general and biodiesel in particular have attracted
an increasing interest as potential solutions to pressing challenges including global
warming as well as depletion of conventional crude oil reserves...
Climate Changes your Business
Climate Changes your Business, a report by KPMG detailing the risks climate change poses to the chemicals industry and other sectors. The study is a review of 50 reports about the impact of climate change on various sectors....
Published January 2007
Report Abstract
Alternative energy—especially sustainable energy—has attracted the attention of many in government and industry. It is seen as a way of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas generation.
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Published April 2006
Report Abstract
Gasolines with an octane rating that satisfies market requirements are produced in refineries by blending various refinery streams that differ in composition, boiling range and octane ratings. The octane number is an expression of the antiknock property of gasoline and is defined as the percentage, by volume, of isooctane (assigned an octane number of 100) that must be mixed with n-heptane (assigned an octane number of 0) in order to match the knock intensity of the fuel that is undergoing test. Until recently, methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) was the predominant oxygenate used worldwide; however, a major shift to alternative oxygenates such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and ETBE is starting to occur.
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Published September 2007
Report Abstract
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Published December 2007
Report Abstract
For centuries, humans have impacted their environment in ways both large and small. Most of this environmental impact has stemmed from the basic human need for shelter. In creating shelter, mankind has had an effect on the environment—cutting trees, clearing land, and creating waste by-products, as well as bringing about other unintentional environmental consequences.
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Report Abstract
The world market for oil field chemicals, expressed in sales dollars at the service company level, reached almost $8 billion in 2004. Sales are expected to total over $9 billion in 2009, based on volume growth and price changes in effect as of early 2005. The following pie charts provide a breakdown of the global oil field chemicals market by category and by region.
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Published October 2007
Report Abstract
Water supply is in a silent crisis. More than 100 cities and suburban areas around the world have inadequate water supplies. For example, each resident in Beijing can access only 10,500 cubic feet of water per day.
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Report Abstract
Over the next five years, global consumption of water treatment specialty chemicals is expected to grow in current dollars (not inflation adjusted) by an annual rate averaging 3.3% from a 2004 level of $7.6–8.1 billion to a total of $8.
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Published September 2008
Report Abstract
iodiesel, defined as the methyl ester of natural fatty acids produced via transesterification of fats and oils, is made mainly from renewable biological resources (vegetable or animal fats and oils) and is therefore an ecologically friendly alternative to petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel fuel is adapted to the diesel engine and may be used in standard diesel engines. Because of its excellent solvent properties, however, fuel hoses, pipes and seals must be made resistant to biodiesel, if it is used in its pure form.
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Published October 2007
Report Abstract
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Published November 2007
Report Abstract
This report identifies the chemicals that are produced from biomass today and compares them with those that are prepared from fossil feedstocks. Furthermore, the report examines how this source of chemicals may grow in the future. Areas where competition now or in the future is likely to occur are pointed out.
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Published October 2006
Report Abstract
Biodegradable polymers constitute a loosely defined family of polymers. This report includes only polymers that producers promote as fully biodegradable and that meet international standards. In 2005, the two most important commercial biodegradable polymers were polylactide (PLA) and starch-based polymers.
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Published December 2007
Report Abstract
Coal gasification is becoming industrially important worldwide to chemicals production from synthesis gas together with cogeneration of electric power; the United States and China are most important in this developing industry. PEP Report 154A, Coal Gasification (December 2006), provides screening-level technoeconomics of industrial grade syngas using the Shell Coal Gasification Process (SCGP) sized for production of 5,000 metric tons per day (MT/day) of methanol using the ICI process (412 million SCF per day syngas 2 H2: 1 CO). Report 154A discusses gasification industry developments through 2006; Report 154B updates this through 2007.
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Published May 2007
Report Abstract
Chemical Inputs and By-Products of Biofuels This report examines the impact of the biofuel industry on the chemical industry. Just as the modern chemical industry, especially petrochemicals, evolved from the growing need for petroleum-derived fuels during the last century, in this century the chemical industry will be affected by the growing production of biofuels.
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Published October 2005
Report Abstract
China, Malaysia, the United States, the European Union, Indonesia, India, Brazil and Argentina are notable fats and oils–producing countries, and China, the European Union and India are notable high-demand areas that must supplement regional production through imports. The following graph shows world production and consumption by country/region: Global fats and oils consumption will grow at an average annual rate of 4%, mainly as a result of growth in China and India. Growing economies, large populations and improving incomes will increase per capita demand for oils and fats in these countries.
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Published June 2008
Report Abstract
Over the last two decades, a major shift in regional methanol capacity and production has occurred. Countries with large reserves of natural gas and often limited domestic consumption have built world-scale methanol facilities to monetize their low-cost natural gas. The largest producing region/country in 2007 was China; in 2012, it will continue to have the largest capacity and be the largest producer.
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Published January 2006
Report Abstract
Many new fatty acid plants have been built in Southeast Asia, which is the major source of coconut, palm and palm kernel oils used as raw materials for C8-C14 fatty acids. Altogether, producers of fatty acids from oil splitting in these countries (excluding China and India) have a total capacity of almost 2 million metric tons. Significant amounts of this increasing production are being exported to other world areas, including North America, Western Europe and Japan, all three of which are now net importers of fatty acids derived from fat and oil splitting.
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Published May 2002
Report Abstract
Biocatalysis is a term used to describe the catalytic activity of biological systems, which includes living whole cells, parts of cells and enzymes. Humans have harnessed the capabilities of biocatalysts for centuries to generate useful products. The ability of biocatalysts to selectively produce useful products under relatively mild conditions compared to its chemical catalyst counterpart make biocatalysts an interesting and powerful addition to a process synthesis "tool-box".
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Published October 2006
Report Abstract
SRI Consulting's first report on Safe & Sustainable Chemicals is now available. The initial report of this emerging series, Global Solvent Report: The Green Impact, covers the global market for solvents—products that are integral to most chemical formulations and processes.
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Published September 2006
Report Abstract
The United States surpassed Western Europe as the largest consumer of lactic acid in 2001–2002 with the commissioning of NatureWorks’ (formerly Cargill Dow’s) polylactic acid (PLA) plant in late 2001. At full capacity, the PLA plant would require approximately 180 thousand metric tons of lactic acid per year. In recent years, Other Asia has replaced Western Europe as the second-largest consumer of lactic acid products.
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Report Abstract
The rubber-processing industry, the plastics industry, the fuel and lubricant industry, and the food and feed industry are major consumers of antioxidants. Antioxidants are part of a company’s broader portfolio of additive products designed to serve specific end-use industries. Therefore, antioxidants do not really represent an industry but can be characterized as one component of the larger chemical additives industry.
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Report Abstract
The specialty biocides described in this report include many different chemical types that are used in a variety of end-use areas. They are linked only by their common functionality in destroying or inhibiting the growth of a broad range of microorganisms. The report excludes chemicals that are highly lethal to all living things (e.
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Report Abstract
The term food additive applies broadly to chemicals that are added to food, either intentionally or indirectly, to facilitate processing, maintain product consistency, extend shelf life, ensure microbiological safety, improve or maintain nutritional value, or enhance the organoleptic qualities (flavor, color and texture) of the finished products. This report covers six major product categories of food additives including thickeners and stabilizers, alternative sweeteners, colors, enzymes, shelf life extenders (including antioxidants and preservatives) and emulsifiers. During the past five years the product category “nutraceutical ingredients” has become so prominent that it will be covered in a separate SCUP report to be issued in 2005.
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Report Abstract
The nutraceuticals industry is still in its formative period, and at present there is no universal agreement or legal definitions of the terms and designations used by this industry sector. According to the widely accepted definition, “A nutraceutical is any substance that is a food or a part of a food and provides medical or health benefits including the prevention and treatment of disease.” Products include isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and processed foods such as cereals, soups, soyfood, and beverages.
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Report Abstract
Radiation curable formulations, used as coatings, inks, and adhesives, are cross-linked by high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) or electron beam (EB) light sources. The coating formulations differ from those used in conventional paints and coatings in that the diluent (solvent) and resin (film former) used in thermally cured coatings are replaced by a reactive liquid vehicle in which a pigment and other additives may be dispersed or dissolved. In 2004, the global market for formulations of radiation curable products was estimated at 300 thousand metric tons with a value of approximately $3.
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Report Abstract
Powder coatings are applied to metal substrates to form highly durable and attractive finishes. They are manufactured and applied without the use of organic solvents; thus, they are highly desirable from an ecological standpoint. Most of the current interest in industrial powder coating technology (and the focus of this report) is on formulations based on thermosetting resin binders, predominantly epoxies and polyesters (saturated types with carboxyl or hydroxyl functional groups).
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Report Abstract
Water-soluble polymers are found in three categories:
- Synthetic, which are obtained by the polymerization of monomers synthesized from petroleum or natural gas precursors
- Semisynthetic, which are manufactured by chemical derivatization of natural organic materials, generally based on a polysaccharide
- Natural, including microbial-, plant- and animal-based materials
Water-soluble polymers are used primarily to disperse, suspend (thicken and gel), or stabilize particulate matter. However, they may perform any of the following functions:
- Binding
- Coagulating
- Dispersing, suspending, stabilizing
- Film forming
- Flocculating
- Lubrication and friction reduction
- Rheology modification and control
- Thickening, gelling
Worldwide, the value of water-soluble polymers was over $15 billion in 2006. Overall, modest growth in the consumption of water-soluble polymers is expected to continue through 2011, characterized by (1) minor displacement of semisynthetic polymers by natural polymers, particularly in food applications; (2) generally slower growth in consumption for nonfood applications; and (3) minor product innovations that will create new applications in existing market segments.
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