Reviews, articles, interviews
Polypropylene Revival
Polypropylene is an environment friendly material. It was assigned the title of the "King of plastics" for its valuable properties. The demand for the material grows by 5-7% annually in Russia, now amounting to about 1 million t, with less than 20% of the demand met. Three polypropylene manufacturing enterprises with the total capacity of 300,000 t/y are operating in Russia at present. A major part of polypropylene is imported at prices exceeding $1,000/t. Therefore, the pursuit of investments for the restoration of old or construction of new polypropylene facilities on the part of certain companies is quite understandable.
Certification Russian-Style
On October 1, 2004, the government of the Russian Federation abolished the obligatory certification of medical drugs that was introduced two years ago. Then it promptly reversed its decision and prolonged the certification till May 2005. What was the reason for it? Is a really effective drug quality management system possible in Russia?
Saying "Fertilizers", Meaning "Grain"
The use of mineral fertilizers and crop protection agents is important for agricultural productivity. Unfortunately, the consumption of agrochemical products has sharply declined in the Russian agro-industry lately. What can raise the fertility of agrocenosis? How can fertilizer consumption in the home market be increased? The discussion goes on.
Middle East Relay Race
Petrochemical giants NPC and Sabic are expanding their presence in the global polymer market. Saudi Arabia is the leading polymer exporter to Europe, while Iran is compelled to import polymers. The situation may soon change thanks to a grand investment program.
Polish Chemical Industry on the Rise
The strategy of the Polish government in relation to the national sector of basic chemicals provides for a fast privatization of leading chemical plants. Four of the enterprises are to be sold to strategic investors, two others are to go IPO. The government is closely supervising property redistribution in the national market.
Commercialization of Russian Developments as Seen from America
Commercialization is a means for the delivery of R&D results to customers, i.e., to those who will use the new technologies, products, or processes. Traditionally, Russia pays much more attention to scientific and technological components of the innovation process, than to promotion, marketing and, finally, commercialization of R&D results.
Slightly Slower Than Silicon
Supporters of electronic polymers predict that the market will reach $2 billion by 2010. By that time, they believe, the industry will use electronic polymers to manufacture billions of ICs valued several cents each. The cost of one polymer IC manufacturing will comprise only 1-2% of the production cost of a "high-speed" silicon chip.
Drilling Chemistry in Russia: Problems and Achievements
The aggressive development of oil fields and their exhaustion threaten with a decrease in oil recovery against the background of its growing consumption. Drilling chemicals are designed to enhance the efficiency of oil extraction.
Crisis Chemistry
Any large chemical or petrochemical company which has strong competitors or runs risks of major accidents needs a balanced anti-recession policy. Often one publication with negative information about the enterprise or its product is enough to ruin its reputation beyond retrieval, which, in its turn, impacts its income and development.
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