The rising demand for biofuels will spur the market for bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH) and biomethanol, the fastest-growing segments of the bio-based chemicals industry, according to The World Market for Bio-Based Chemicals, 2nd Edition, a research report from energy publisher SBI.
Caroll Mortensen, Director of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), approved the PaintCare California Architectural Paint Stewardship Program Plan on July 19 on behalf of the State of California.
Evonik Industries’ Catalysts Business Line has recently agreed with U.S.-based BioAmber Inc. on a long-term cooperation for the development and manufacturing of catalysts for making BDO (1,4- butanediol), THF (tetrahydrofurane) and GBL (gamma – butyrolactone) from bio-based succinic acid.
Clariant, the Swiss specialty chemicals company, inaugurated Germany's biggest pilot plant for the production of climate-friendly cellulose ethanol from agricultural waste.
In response to concerns raised by members, core LEED users and stakeholders, and in an effort to provide the marketplace a view of the full LEED program experience prior to ballot, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that it will delay ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013 (or potentially earlier in 2013 if USGBC members and the market indicate readiness for ballot).
Along with the challenges facing the coatings industry during the global economic downturn, coatings manufacturers have seen increased volatility in raw material prices, due in part to the rise in crude oil prices and geopolitical issues in some oil-producing countries.
Architectural coatings protect and beautify buildings but use tremendous amounts of petroleum, water and energy. Environmental imperatives mean that sustainability of architectural coatings is increasingly vital, and their role in building energy efficiency is growing with the widespread acceptance of building standards such as LEED and NZEB, according to a Lux Research report.
