Jared Ireland

Celanese Corporation Declares Force Majeure on Western Hemisphere Acetic Acid and VAM  Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials company, today confirmed a declaration of force majeure and sales control for acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) sold in the Western Hemisphere. This comes as a result of intensifying force majeure conditions and operational failures experienced by multiple suppliers of critical raw materials essential to Celanese’s production of these products. Production challenges caused by these raw material supply disruptions, as well as other operational issues in its Acetyl Chain U.S. gulf coast network, are being assessed and actions are being taken to offset production losses. The Acetyl Chain business is focused on meeting customers’ needs by utilizing all available network capabilities. The business has invested over the years to strategically enhance the flexibility of its integrated supply chain and will exercise that optionality to minimize customer disruptions. While under sales control, all non-contracted orders will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.    “Right now, we anticipate that our second quarter U.S. gulf coast production of acetic acid and VAM will be negatively impacted by 15 to 20 percent as a result of these temporary challenges which we are still navigating,” said Mark Murray, senior vice president of the Acetyl Chain. “As we work through these challenges, we are prioritizing continuity of supply for our customers by employing the optionality that has been the hallmark of this business. The primary financial impact of these challenges in the second quarter will be due to incremental costs associated with production at higher cost facilities, external sourcing, and logistics in order to minimize impacts to our customers. There may also be a volume impact in the quarter depending on the magnitude of lost production.”   Celanese regrets the impact this could have on customers and will stay in close communication to minimize the impact of these challenges. At this time, Celanese cannot provide any further details or timing of the full impact to customers or to its financial outlook. Celanese will comment further on the resolution of these temporary challenges and the financial impact when it reports second quarter earnings. source:Celanese https://lnkd.in/g3tF3qHY

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Record result in anniversary year 🎉📈 The technology company Freudenberg SE, Weinheim/Germany, continues to report solid growth in its 175th anniversary year. Record sales of € 11.9 billion (+1.3%) were achieved in 2023. The operating result (EBIT) increased by 15% to € 1.1 billion. Investments in research and development also reached record levels at € 604 million (+4.6%). This corresponds to 5.1% of turnover. In the Technical Textiles and Filtration Business Area, which comprises the Freudenberg Performance Materials, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies and Japan Vilene Company segments, sales fell by 6.2% to € 2.59 billion in 2023. The general business area continued to be characterized by a high degree of uncertainty. Factors included geopolitical risks, high inflation, and increased interest rates. Demand for products from Freudenberg Performance Materials was additionally dampened by high customer inventories. The decline in sales was particularly evident in the Construction, Clothing, Coated Textiles and Carpet segments. The Fuel Cell Components segment saw a significant increase in business compared to the previous year, as demand for gas diffusion layers for fuel cells was high. Cost management and lower material and energy costs had a positive impact on the business development of Freudenberg Performance Materials. Freudenberg Performance Materials commissioned a new plant for gas diffusion layers (a key component of fuel cells) in Weinheim in the 2023 financial year. EagleBurgmann began construction of a new research and development center in Wolfratshausen and continued projects to modernize, automate and digitalize the production of mechanical seals and other products in Eurasburg. Learn more: https://ow.ly/js8E50RiQAz #textiletechnology #technicaltextiles #freudenberg

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DuPont announces plans to split into 3 separate co's, chance to reflect back on its acquisition of Conoco back in 1981 and the impact from that massive merger. The acquisition of Conoco by DuPont in 1981 marked a significant shift in DuPont's corporate strategy & culture. Prior to the acquisition, DuPont was primarily focused on chemicals & materials science. The move to acquire Conoco, the 9th largest oil co at the time, was driven by a desire to secure a steady supply of product to shield DuPont from volatile oil markets, a lesson learned during the oil shocks the prior decade​.   The merger, valued at $7.8B, was the largest in U.S. history at that time and resulted in DuPont gaining significant oil and coal assets. However, it also introduced complexities, including the significant influence of Seagram's Edgar Bronfman, who became DuPont's largest shareholder with a 24.5% stake, leading to changes in DuPont's Board composition​.   Culturally, the acquisition brought about a diversification in DuPont’s operations, pushing the company into the energy sector while also influencing its approach to other industries. This diversification was part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and expand into life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals​. The integration of Conoco required DuPont to navigate the complexities of managing a large energy co while continuing to innovate in its traditional areas of strength, such as synthetic fibers and advanced materials.   Despite these efforts, the acquisition of Conoco posed several challenges. The decline in oil prices during the 1980s, coupled with the economic recession, impacted the financial performance of the merged entity. Additionally, managing the significant debt from the acquisition and the integration of Conoco's operations with DuPont's existing businesses strained resources and management focus.   Over time, DuPont began to unwind its investment in Conoco, eventually spinning it off completely by 1998. The move was driven by Wall Street's preference for more focused business operations, and the realization that the anticipated synergies from the merger were not fully realized. [Source: ChatGPT] https://lnkd.in/e6X-hw8i

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The PolyExpert • Polyethylene Films team attended the 27th Global Pouch Forum (BNP Media) in Clearwater, May 29-31, 2024. We presented a high-barrier monomaterial recyclable pouch with 30% FDA-compliant post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin. This breakthrough was made possible thanks to Henkel, who used one of their recyclable high-barrier coatings on one of our matte printing films. Until collection for flexible packaging recycling becomes a reality in North America, PolyExpert continues to develop sustainable monomaterial films for the creation of recyclable flexible packaging. We are exploring the different technologies available: PE films as sealant webs and print webs, PE films using recyclable high-barrier resins or EVOH with compatibilizer, and now films with high-barrier coatings. We do our utmost to ensure that the material used in our films does not become waste but a source of material, in a world where flexible packaging is set to be used even more for essential applications. On the picture: Narges Emami, Martin Lebeau, Pierre Sarazin #flexiblepackaging #recyclable #monomaterial #pcr

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The topic of increasing agility is front and center at the American Cleaning Institute. In today's volatile era, we know that issues will emerge with greater frequency and unpredictability, requiring rapid assessment and response. This insightful Harvard Business Review article stresses that successful organizations must invest in three core areas – prediction, adaptability and resilience – tailored to their circumstances. I could not agree more. #cleaninstitute #BusinessStrategy #Leadership https://lnkd.in/gqG9Gt_R

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It's a wrap – our Covestro Annual General Meeting 2024 is officially finished.   On behalf of the Board of Management and the entire Covestro team, I want to express my gratitude to our shareholders for their ongoing trust and support. We look forward to continuing our journey with you.   I'm convinced that Covestro is well-prepared for the future, both strategically and operationally:   ▪ We are committed to the #CircularEconomy, the major global project of the 21st century ▪ We are orienting the entire company towards climate neutrality ▪ We are continuously improving our performance and competitive position   The right mix to navigate Covestro safely through choppy waters. And to reach the promising goals on the horizon.   #CovestroAGM #FullyCircular

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Asking meaningful questions is the key to unlocking deeper insights. Do you actively strategize the questions you ask? HBR outlines five powerful question types that great leaders use: 1. Investigative: Dive deep with "why?" and "how?" 2. Speculative: Think outside the box with "what if?" and "what else?" 3. Productive: Get things done: "How can we achieve this?" 4. Interpretive: Find the bigger meaning: "So, what does this imply?" 5. Subjective: Address the unspoken: "How are we feeling about this?" Remember, great leaders shift from providing answers to fostering a culture of inquiry that drives innovation and problem-solving. What question style do you find most impactful? #leadership #questions #problemsolving https://lnkd.in/eR-3SS6W

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Come and meet us at #ACHEMA. You still have time! If not around, check the video and let’s talk about our solutions for your needs. #SaintGobainLifeSciences #SingleUse #FillFinish #Sustainability

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Big news alert! Lubrizol, the global leader in specialty chemicals, has some exciting updates you don’t want to miss. Lubrizol has opened a new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Pune, India. But let's dive deeper into why this matters for you, North American retailers. This isn’t just about getting more office space; it's a smart move to boost Lubrizol's growth worldwide. The campus is big and functional, spanning a whopping 42,000 square feet, with everything from wellness rooms to a cafeteria, all aimed at making a healthy and productive workspace. With over 200 talented people already there and more coming soon, this center is set to be a hotspot for new ideas and partnerships. And it's not just about making chemicals; it's about finding solutions that help businesses and make customers happy. Lubrizol isn’t just expanding; it's making a smart move to India for good reasons, like lower costs and better chances to work together. North American retailers, take note: smart expansion can make a big difference. So, North American retailers, this is your chance to learn from Lubrizol's example. Keep an eye out for opportunities that could help your business grow too! #LubrizolExpands #GlobalCapabilityCenter #SmartExpansion #InnovativePartnerships #BoostingGrowth #LubrizolIndia #RetailerOpportunities #BusinessGrowth #SmartMove #LubrizolUpdates #MS2

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📅 Did you miss our Mass Balance webinar? Here's your second chance! 👨🏫 As part of The The Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc (ASC) Summer Sustainability Webinar Series, John Brandt, Technical Manager, Adhesives & Sealants, NA kicked off the series with his webinar "Using Mass Balance Raw Materials in Adhesives and Sealants". Originally held, Tuesday, June 11th, 12-1pm ET, the replay link is below. 💹 While a large amount of information is available on the Mass Balance approach, it remains a difficult subject to understand. This webinar attempts to provide a basic understanding of the Mass Balance approach, why it is important for the Adhesive and Sealant Industry, and the Sustainability advantages it provides overall and for the manufacturer. 👉 Follow the link to the recorded webinar --> https://lnkd.in/ee3s6JsY #SustainableAdhesives #MassBalance #StatusNext

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Breaking News! First webinar from Telko Plastics. Please join the super interesting webinar with the latest insights! We will make it valuable for you!

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Innovation has always been the lifeblood of the Polyurethanes industry. For decades now, Huntsman has showcased its innovation breakthroughs via PU review, through which we aim to stimulate new thinking and develop new relationships. We’ve just published the latest issue of the magazine and I would encourage you to read it if you are interested in the world of polyurethanes. The main feature in this issue provides an insight into our new R&D Innovation Center near Leuven, in Belgium, which has significantly strengthened our innovation capability. Despite the geopolitical and economic challenges facing Europe, it continues to be a strategically important market for Huntsman Polyurethanes and we remain fully committed to the region for the long-term. The investment in the new R&D Center reinforces this commitment. Throughout the magazine, there’s a wide range of stories from our global team which demonstrate the breadth of our innovation. There’s a clear sustainability thread running through all our work – with new products containing bio-based and recycled content, and MDI based systems that are faster and less energy intensive to process. Please take a close look at the magazine (link below), I would appreciate any feedback you may have. https://lnkd.in/gU728xfR #Polyurethanes #Innovation

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📢 BASF Invests in Capacity Expansion to Meet Growing Global Demand 🚀Chemical manufacturer BASF has announced a plan to expand production capacity for its Basoflux® range of paraffin inhibitors at its plant in La Canonja (Tarragona). 🔧 With this new investment, BASF's oilfield chemicals division will gain greater flexibility to produce the latest solutions, including more sustainable water-based dispersion paraffin inhibitors and solvent-based products. The first deliveries are expected in early 2025. 🌍 As easily extractable crude oil reserves diminish, BASF's advanced technology will become essential for producing paraffinic crudes. The new Basoflux dispersions from the Tarragona plant will help customers operate more sustainably by using less solvent at lower temperatures, improving resource efficiency and reducing costs. Read the complete news article ➡ https://lnkd.in/d7RZevFc #BASF #ChemicalIndustry #CapacityExpansion #ParaffinInhibitors #Sustainability #Innovation #OilAndGas #Tarragona #Basoflux

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By embodying clarity, humility, and courage, a leader can create a positive and empowering environment for their team, driving growth, fostering trust, and achieving success.

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