At its chemical park in Marl, Germany, Evonik has brought on stream a new 40,000 t/y plant for its "Elatur" phthalate-free plasticizer 1.2-cyclohexa dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester. Investment is said to be in the "double-digit million euro range." The German group said it is talking with potential partners about launching a range of bio-based plasticisers under the same name.
Carbon black manufacturer Orion Engineered Carbons plans to rationalize production lines in North and South America and EMEA.
Merck to acquire the chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences, a leading provider of CDMO services, preclinical and translational clinical research, and bioprocessing solutions.
Novo Nordisk announced a global workforce reduction of approximately 9,000 positions to streamline operations and reinvest DKK 8 billion (€1 billion) in growth opportunities for diabetes and obesity treatments.
BASF sells a majority stake in its coatings business to the investor Carlyle.
