Contents
MATERIALS
Sukano and Omya collaboration delivers high-performance voiding agent for BOPET and BOPLA films 1
BYK presents ‘world first’ coupling agent for carbon fibre 2
Cabot unveils premium carbon black range for ultra-high-performance tyres 3
Clariant healthcare masterbatches meet 2020 USP <661.1> requirements 3
Eastman launches enhanced vulcanizing agent for tyre industry 5
Croda’s Incroslip SL slip additive gains EU food contact approval 5
A Schulman partners with 3M to develop insulating and reduced weight solutions 6

COMPANY STRATEGIES
LyondellBasell plans to acquire A Schulman in US$2.25 billion deal 6
Ampacet starts up new additive production line in Belgium 7
Nabaltec plans to extend flame retardants production in USA; posts 6% sales rise in 2017 7
Lanxess is raising Leverkusen capacity for Macrolex polymer dyes 8
Mexichem acquires Sylvin to boost additives portfolio 8
Hexion divests additives technology group 9

FINANCIALS
Clariant reports improved annual sales and profitability in 2017 9
Venator reverses losses in 4Q and full-year 2017; reports Pori progress 10
Chemours posts ‘robust’ performance in fourth quarter and full-year 2017 11
EVENTS CALENDAR 12