AlEn Monitoring
CORPORATE
USA. Dow Chemical Chief Inclusion Officer said the company is leveraging technologies to promote diversity, workforce and inclusion spaces
USA. Dow Chemical's chief sustainability executive, Neil Hawkins, is to be President and COO of the Erb Family Foundation effective April 1 following its retirement from Dow
Romania. Oltchim has 177 employees after the sale of assets to Chimcomplex, a document by the company states that 1356 employees signed labor contracts with the new owner and 436 were included in the collective redundancy process
Spain. Ercros repurchased 84,000 of its own shares during the period between January 7 to 15 in line with its fourth amortization program and has 1.55% in treasury shares
Poland. PCC Rokita is interested in a loan by the European Investment Bank for projects regarding the expansion and modernization of its chemical facilities
Mexico. Kimberly - Clark reported a 1.5% drop in EBITDA during the last quarter of 2018 due to higher raw material and energy costs and a sales growth of 9% between September and December last year
Peru. P&G presented its Corporate Citizenship Report 2018 highlighting the company's progress in programs to impact the community, promotion of diversity and inclusion, gender equality and the achievement of goals on sustainabibility and environment in the country
Finland. Kemira's Nomination Board announced several proposals to the Annual General Meeting as re-electing members of the Board of Directors, annual fee increases for the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the Chairman of the Audit Committee, and other annual fees per year
Mexico. Alpek foresees a solid year as it was the company with the best results report for the 3Q:2018 among Grupo Alfa, sale of its cogenerations plants resulted an increase in EBITDA of more than 500%, factors that would slow down the company's results are the drop of oil prices and its impact in raw materials according to diverse analysts
Poland. PCC Rokita concluded a loan agreement with the European Investment Bank of US$ 5,04 Mln. funds are to be allocated for the extension and modifications of chemical installations
China. Pura Naturals announced possible placement of its Grease Beast brand in the country through its partner Edge Global Holdings, which is in process of product review and market analysis to introduce the brand into the local market
Global. P&G reported its annual sales forecast following a 4% sales increase on a like-for-like basis compared to 2.4% expected and raised its growth forecast range by one point for its annual sales
Germany. Henkel is to invest more in its digital transformation, brands and innovation and is to spend an additional US$339 Mln. a year to boost growth
Global. Henkel wants to focus more on online retailers and developved highly concentrated detergent versions and different packaging in order to meet the requirements of e-commerce
Global. Henkel is to increase investments and expects lower profit margin for 2019, the announcement led the company to drop its share price by more than eight percent
Bangladesh. Jyothy Labs is to expand its product portfolio in the country over the next fiscal year, a key market that accounts 20-25% of the company's overseas sales
Spain. Reckitt Benckiser launched VIPoo, a product to prevent odors in the bathroom in spray format, the company is working towards expanding its distribution network to larger and smaller stores
TECHNOLOGY
Mexico. Sargassum can be used to manufacture a range of products from organic detergent, biodegradable plastic and even cellulose and fertilizer, said Hector Romero, director of Fictecnologia Bianco
Poland. Werner & Mertz developed Quick & Easy, a system to increase efficency in the cleaning process which includes a three parts system of automatic and portable dosing of cleaning products, shaped by a sprayer and two cartridges connected to a washer
Australia. "Miracle Spray" developed by a group of mothers with just 5 ingredients, Lectric, made from all-natural ingredients is one of the best known brands in the country and recommended by the creators
Germany. BASF is using chemical recycling to reuse plastic waste throught its ChemCycling project to manufacture chemical products and replace fossil resources
USA. CR brands is to launch in 1Q:2019 Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash, in the framework of a license agreement with Chruch & Dwight
USA. Novozymes and Arkema filed a patent application for stabilized liquid peroxide compositions
France. Arkema researchers submitted an application patent "Phthalate-Free, Epoxidized Plasticizer Compositions Comprising Fatty Acid Esters And Bio-Based Oils, And Methods Of Making The Same"
COMPETITIVE DINAMYC
UK. Ecolab acquired Bioquell, total consideration payable to shareholders is to be about US$178 Mln. subject to determination of the final share count
USA. Vantage Specialty Chemicals, leading provider of naturally derived ingredients acquired LEUNA-Tenside, the acquisition is to offer opportunities to Vantage in the development of sulfate-free and soap- free formulations in personal care
Saudi Arabia. United Stars signed an agreement with SABIC to transport MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether), caustic soda and other chemicals from SABIC plants in Jubail in the Eastern Province to the company's costumers inside the Kingdom Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) and Jordan
Saudia Arabia. Aramco is to acquire 70% stake in SABIC for about US%70 Bln. from the kingdom's public investment fund and to sell around US$10 Bln. in bonds to help fund the purchase
Brazil. LyondellBasell finalization deal to buy Braskem delayed due to government change, the deal's price depends on a long-term naphtha supply contract with state-controlled Petroleo Brasileiro which also owns shares in Braskem
Thailand. NeoCorporate, leader in consumer goods, announced its new world-class automated warehouse with an investment of a 2 billion budget to build a Research and Development center to develop innovative products, the company also seeks to create new innovations in its fabric softener from its fineline brand
France. P&G is to invest US$56 Mln. in a new production line of laundry and cleaning products packaging in Amiens
China. Covestro teamed up with Haier Group, a major global brand for household appliances to set up a joint laboratory in Quingdao, China, to develop digital solutions for the use of polyurethanes, optimize processes and reduce manufacturing costs
Mexico. Alpek signed an agreement with ContourGlobal for the sale of its cogeneration plants located in Cosoleacaque,Veracruz and Altamira,Tamaulipas for US$801 Mln.
Sweden. Inovyn started production at its new membrane chlorine cell room at Stenungsund, it adds to Inovyn extensive chlor-alkali production portfolio across Europe
SUSTAINABILITY
Europe. SABIC signed a MoU with Plastic Energy to supply recycled plastics waste for production facilities in Europe, the company plans a refining plant for recycled low-quality, mixed plastics waste in the Netherlands
France. Diversey's partnership with the World Championship for Chefs, the Bocuse d'Or as a cleaning partner promotes its SURE line which is used by all the participants
Mexico. ECOCE held a meeting with Semarnat to determine how can they collaborate with their National Plan of Urban Solid Waste. ECOCE is to work in the planning process of the secretary to create programs and actions that trigger joint iniatitves
USA. ThreeMain is to reduce the use of plastics in their household cleaning products and is to deliver consumers stylish and reusable bottles containing 80% less plastic and non-toxic ingredients through a subscription-based membership
USA. Reckitt Benckiser and Diversey announced a strategic alliance in the North American Industrial and Institutional cleaning market to contribute towards "Creating a Cleaner World" by expanding their products to healthcare facilities, educational institutions and hospitality centers
USA. Covestro donated a solar charging station to Mont Belvieu City Park for mobile devices
Ghana. NGO Environment360 announced a partnership with Qualiplast, one of the largest plastic producers in the country, to help support the collection of bottles made of PET, the project is supported by the GIZ through the funding partnership between the local government and Germany
Pakistan. Reckitt Benckiser's Dettol announced a contest to vote for their favorite idea to defeat germens (Germoon), the contest is to raise awareness regarding hygiene and the winner idea is to be part of the next Dettol Warriors episode and one lucky winner is to win a US$1.787.31 from the "Warrior Education Fund"
Global. SC Johnson announced a multi-year partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to encourage circular business innovation and to boost transit to a circular economy
PESC
Canada. Petrochemical industry expected growth thanks to incentive programs by the federal and provincial governments, capital spending in the country for chemical industry projects is to raise by 65%, the highest since 2014 as well as employment rate
Canada. More consumers in the country are choosing zero waste groceries where household products are sold in bulk, pharmacies are also starting selling by bulk incorporating laundry soaps and other household products
Belgium. H2O at Home Marketing and Communications manager stated that sales of green cleaning products have increased compared with traditional branded products
Mexico. Alianza Nacional de Pequeños Comerciantes (ANPEC) president said that between December 15, 2018 and January 15, 2019 the cost of certain staple goods and cleaning products registered an increase between 8% and 9% due to uncertainity and speculation on fuel supply
France. French National Assembly passed a bill stating palm oil is not considered a biofuel and won't be elegible for tax breaks, the ban is to be applied as for January 1, 2020
Europe. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is expected to be one of the most used materials in the production of plastics trays and is expected to expand at a significant rate during the forecast period 2018-2027 due its high-recyclability property, the region is likely to emerge as one of the most dominating regions in the plastic tray market
European Union. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced January 11 that is to propose to restrict siloxanes, formaldehyde, and microplastics for concentrations greater than 0.1% which are or have been used in cosmetics and cleaning products to prohibit their sale in the EU
France. Waste disposal centers in the Rambouillet region will no longer take Specific Diffuse Waste (DDS), household waste from cleaning, DIY and gardening products. Two solutions are available while the situation returns to normal, take them to DIY stores or keep the products at home
USA. Governor Andrew Cuomo (NY) is pushing a "Right to Know" measure to authorize three state agencies to develop labeling regulations to warn consumers of potentially hazardous substances, the proposal would extend disclosure requirements from household cleaning products to all cleaning products sold to individuals and cleaning professionals
Mexico. National Association of the Chemical Industry (ANIQ) reported a decrease of 0.4% points in the installed capacity of the chemical industry compared with that of 2017, a total sales volume 5.7% lower than 2017 and a increase of 0.72% on electricity rates
Turkey. Minister of Environment and Urbanization announced a deposit return scheme for plastic and can bottles with vending machines installed in metro stations and is to charge 0.25 for each bag in order to decrease plastic bag use
PUBLIC RELATIONS
UK. Unilever was upgraded from a "sell" raiting to a "hold" raiting in a report released by Zacks Investment Research
India. Unilever was imposed a US$53.8 Mln. fine by the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) for not reducing its retail prices after the goods and services tax (GST) rate cuts took effect on November 15, 2017
Global. Ecover, Biobel, Almacabio y Equo, Sodasan, Ecotech, Ulrich, Talybe, Sonett and Attitude were included in a list by "Cuerpomente" as market options for natural and ecological detergents some even with certifications that guarantee the use of truly biodegradable ingredients
Kuwait. Dow Chemical's investigation on violations from top oil executives was called for resume by former MP Abdullah Al-Turaiqi as he was the main witness in the case that caused the country to pay a fine over US$2 Bln. after unilaterally revoking a multi billion contract with the company
Germany. Braskem ranked number 9 as one of the most beloved companies by employees, according to Love Mondays survey platform
Brazil. Braskem attended a meeting with the National Mining Agency, the Municipal Agency, State and National Civil Defense, Mineral Resources Research Company and Ministry of Mines and Energy to find out the cause of the quake and cracks in the Pinheiro neighborhood, the report is expected to be released in March
Global. A research conducted by the University of Minnesota found a link between dichlorophenols (DCP), chemicals found in many household products and increased risk of cancer and heart disease
Russia. Ecover detergent brands for babies and pregnant women were recommended by an article due to their safe composition and certificates such as "Nordic Ecolabel" "Danish Asthma-Allergy Association and "Allergy UK"
Europe. Henkel reported a fall of 10% in the STOXX Europe 600 Index after the company warned a fall of profits this year while increasing its investment in brands and digital technology to revive its growth
Germany. Henkel was downgraded from Buy to Neutral at Goldman Sachs
RETAIL
Global. Oracle NetSuite report found divergent opinions between consumers and industry executives as only 14% of consumers said technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence would have an impact on their purchase decisions, on the importance of social media only 12% said it impacts on how they feel about a brand and just 66% of consumers said chatbots meet their needs
Global. SOTI IoT, mobile device management firm, found shoppers are starting to prefer self-service retail technologies and 73% want self-service technologies as it provides faster shopping experience
UK. European Commission is to revoke all .eu domain registrations after UK's withdrawal from the EU which may force thousands of websites to start from scratch, affected domains will disappear from the web within 48 hrs of the revocation, this will affect the economic activity of British companies using these domains
Mexico. Oxxo may face affectations due to gasoline shortage, impacts would include a fall in the revenue share and decrease in its operational flow, although at the moment no negative effects have been seen
Mexico. Chedraui expects to open 24 more stores in the country this year composed of 6 Chedraui stores, 8 superchedraui and 10 supercitos, an amount lower than 2018 projections when expectations included the opening of 42 stores plus 2 in the U.S
Mexico. ByPrice is an app that brings together all supermarkets and pharmacies allowing consumer to compare prices of over more than a half million products in geolocalized stores nationwide, the app reviews everyday stores like Amazon, Chedraui, Walmart, Superama, Sanborns among others, one of the objectives is to promote online shopping