IN BRIEF
DJSI is published
Perstorp goes Dutch Perstorp has acquired OQ Chemicals ’ Dutch subsidiary , which runs an esters plant in Amsterdam . CEO Ib Jensen said that Perstorp was “ further enabling our growth strategy and focus on the speciality chemicals sector as well as sustainable solutions ”. OQ , meanwhile , described this as “ part of a strategic realignment to optimise operational efficiency and drive growth in core business areas ”.
Catalyst centre opens BASF has officially opened its new Catalyst Development & Solids Processing Centre in Ludwigshafen . This will serve as a hub for pilotscale synthesis of chemical catalysts and for the development of new solids processing technologies . It was developed over three years at a double-digit million euros cost and replaces an older building .
Ashland to sell Avoca Ashland has agreed to sell its Avoca business to flavours and fragrances house Mane in a deal that should close in Q1 . Avoca supplies Sclareolide , a fragrance fixative , and the contract manufacturing capabilities of two facilities in North Carolina and Wisconsin . It represents the last part of Ashland ’ s previous acquisition of Pharmachem .
The latest Dow Jones Sustainability Indices ( DJSI ), globally recognised benchmarks for assessing corporate sustainability , have been announced . These rank companies around the world on their economic , environmental and social performance based on their performance in 2023 in the World and regional indices .
Companies are selected for the DJSI based on a comprehensive assessment by S & P Global through their S & P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment ( CSA ), analysing companies across the world from environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) aspects and evaluating the sustainability of their corporate business activities .
Of over 3,500 large companies measured by S & P , 321 were selected for this year ’ s DJSI World Index . Smaller numbers were included in the DJSI Europe , DJSI Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets indices . Chemicals companies are included in the Materials category .
Among those named , Dow appeared in the DJSI World and the DJSI North America for the 24th and 19th consecutive times respectively . The company said that it performed particularly well in Climate Strategy , Water , Occupational Health & Safety and Employee Support & Development programmes .
Lanxess ranked first in chemicals in the DJSI Europe , with a score of 79 out of 100 points . In the DJSI World , it achieved fourth place and scored particularly well in climate strategy , water , corporate ethics , human rights and product stewardship . Also in these indices for the 18th consecutive year was Neste , which excelled in human rights , biodiversity , climate strategy and supply chain management .
Others included in the rankings included :
• Mitsubishi Chemical ( DJSI World and Asia Pacific , for the eighth consecutive year )
• WuXi AppTec ( DJSI World and Emerging Markets , four years , first in the Life Sciences Tools & Services sector )
• PTT Global Chemical ( DJSI World , six years )
• Sekisui Chemical ( DJSI World , 13 years )
• Mitsui Chemicals ( DJSI Asia Pacific , seven years )
• Siegfried ( DJSI Europe , four years )
Avocet has new owner Speciality chemical manufacturer John Hogg Technical Solutions has acquired its UK compatriot Avocet Dye & Chemical , which makes flame retardants for textiles , including the Cetaflam brand , dyes and highperformance auxiliaries . Terms were not disclosed . The firm said this will give it “ a more comprehensive range of colour solutions across various industries ”.
Swiss CDMO Siegfried has inaugurated its new global R & D centre for drug substances at its site in Evionnaz . The 4,500 m 2 centre ( pictured ) houses chemical and analytical facilities , laboratories and advanced technologies including flow chemistry , distillation and process analytical technology , plus office space . There are workspaces for over 100 and 40 new jobs have been created . This came only weeks after Siegfried ’ s Dinamiqs subsidiary had opened its own new laboratories at Bio-Technopark in Zurich . This features pilot-scale equipment for clinical viral vector development , analytical and manufacturing services for cell and gene therapy . It is part of a 2,500 m2 cGMP manufacturing facility for viral vectors , which is currently under construction and set to be operational by the end of 2025 .
10 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981