| WTI Crude | $39.69/bbl | -4.1% |
| Brent Crude | $41.10/bbl | -3.8% |
| HH Nat Gas | $1.80/MMBtu | -22.4% |
| MB Propane | $0.49/gal | -1.6% |
| 3:2:1 Crack | $9.73/bbl | +6.5% |
Trinseo to test recycled polystyrene for yogurt cups
US-based chemicals and materials company, Trinseo, has announced that it will be collaborating with a leader in the form fit seal market to test the usage of recycled polystyrene.
Form fit seal?
We're talking about the entire yogurt section of the grocery store. All of those cups have traditionally preferred polystyrene for its technical properties. Recently manufacturers of those form fit seal containers have shown interest in alternative materials because of misperceptions about the recyclability of polystyrene.
What you should know:
Trinseo is one of the largest polystyrene producers in the world and they have pledged to offer 30% recycled content in its polystyrene packaging in Europe by 2025. The recycling of polystyrene is something that we've seen before. Technologies to convert polystyrene back to the styrene monomer are among the most advanced out of all polymers.
Read the press release here.
Aspen Tech to offer a new optimization software for refineries
Leader in process industry software, Aspen Technology, has announced the release of a new optimization software for refineries.
What does the software do?
In their own words, "Bringing planning, scheduling and operations closer together allows accelerated and more consistent model building. This ensures production plans are more accurate and can be successfully executed.". Watch the hype video for the new software to get a better idea of what it really does.
Some context:
We're seeing artificial intelligence (AI) and optimization pop-up everywhere we look. Just yesterday we saw Dow use AI for polyurethane production. This new software from Aspen is functionally similar to what Houston-based Imbuit offers.
Read the press release here.
Air Liquide to build new ASU and POX for Eastman
Industrial gases company, Air Liquide, has announced a new long-term supply agreement with Eastman Chemical Company to support growth at Eastman's site in Longview, Texas.
What are they doing exactly?
Eastman recently was approved by Harrison County to expand its site out in east Texas. This will allow them to produce more chemicals and materials "used in automobile interiors, food preservatives, cosmetics, toys paint and personal care items.".
What's special about this:
Like usual, Air Liquide will provide gaseous oxygen, nitrogen, and syngas with the brand new air separation unit (ASU) and partial oxidation unit (POX). But this time, the new POX will use the company's patented technology to capture and recycle the CO2 produced in its operation.
Read the press release here.