INEOS Group Holdings S. A.* has published its Q2 2024 trading performance, reporting that EBITDA reached €576 million versus €387 million in Q1 2024 and €516 million in Q2 2023. The rise resulted from healthier demand, better sales and higher margins. North American markets were relatively robust and are taking full benefit of their current cost advantage. European ones showed improvement due to a sustained increase in demand, while those in Asia remained soft in the second quarter.

The EBITDA of the Olefins & Polymers (O&P) North America segment slightly decreased by €13 million, or 6%, year on year to €189 million in April—June 2024. Ethylene markets were generally stable that quarter with a combination of steady domestic demand, limited supply and reduced export opportunities. Polymer demand was steady and downstream pipe markets stayed solid on firm demand, particularly from the oil and gas sector. One of the crackers on the Chocolate Bayou site had a scheduled turnaround during the quarter.

   The EBITDA of the O&P Europe segment surged by €105 million, or 146%, on an annualised basis to €177 million in April—June 2024. The olefin business was improving even though most crackers are still operating at reduced rates. Butadiene markets were firm that quarter with higher demand and some supply constraints. The polymer business benefited from reasonable demand and reduced imports from the Middle East and Asia. The group completed the acquisition of the Naphtachimie cracker and derivative assets in Lavera, France, in April 2024.

   Phenol sales were higher in the USA and Europe but lower in Asia. Most sectors of the oxides market saw modest improvement in demand, but European glycol markets remained weak. LyondellBasell's US ethylene oxide and derivatives business was acquired in May 2024 and integrated into INEOS’s oxide business.

   * - The group’s statement covers three business segments: O&P North America, O&P Europe and Chemical Intermediates.

 

Ducor Petrochemicals, a European manufacturer of polypropylene (PP) product solutions, has announced its strategic partnership with Fournier Polymers. Under this collaboration, Fournier Polymers will serve as the exclusive distribution partner for Ducor’s innovative DuCare product range in the Benelux region.

DuCare, a specialised product line developed by Ducor Petrochemicals, is specifically designed for medical devices and other life science applications. These high-quality PP materials meet rigorous standards, making them ideal for critical healthcare and life science needs. DuCare PP is suitable for various applications, including injection-moulding, compound manufacturing and more.

The DuCare product range is underpinned by the DuCare Service Concept, which embodies the principles of pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), emphasising awareness, change control and meticulous documentation, all encapsulated through the ISO 13485 certification. It delivers a range of benefits to enhance healthcare and life science quality and safety.

Ducor continues to drive to the development of sustainable solutions, offering ISCC PLUS certification for all its DuCare products, as well as the entire Ducor portfolio.

Fournier Polymers, a trusted name in polymer distribution, brings extensive expertise and a strong network to the partnership. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Ducor’s vision for delivering top-tier products to the healthcare industry.

- According to all indicators, the International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing PLASTPOL will again reassure its positio of Central and Eastern Europe's largest event for plastics processing industry. For the 28th time, Targi Kielce brings together key companies; the event is held from 21 to 24 May 2024. The majority of our exhibitors with whom we have been cooperating for years have confirmed their presence. There are also many first-time exhibitors; they appreciate the power of the Plastpol in Poland. Companies from many European and Asian countries, including those from India, China, the Republic of Korea, and Turkey join the expo. National expo stands are held by Germany, the Czech Republic and Portugal - says Kamil Perz, director of the Plastpol project at Targi Kielce. – We already know that exhibitors will occupy the entire space of our exhibition and congress centre; we are open for the last registrations. There are not many spots available to choose from.

Remember that the last Kielce plastics processing expo in May 2023 hosted 600 companies from 29 countries and their extensive offer. About half of the exhibitors are foreign companies representing Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Taiwan, Ukraine, UK, Hungary, Latvia and China.

- Plastpol has been designed for business and dialogue. The international character of the show is conducive to new supply chains, enhances contract negotiation, and boosts networking and contacts establishment. Leadds become contracts - emphasises Kamil Perz.

All information and registration for exhibitors available at https://www.targikielce.pl/plastpol