and chemical intermediates inmanufacturing processes. In additionto concerns over their PBT effects inaquatic environments, branched NPs(the primary breakdown product ofNPEs) show indications that they aremoderate endocrine disrupters.Studies in the early 1990s of theiroestrogenic effects on culturedhuman breast cells, and in fish andother animal cells, led to the currenthealth concerns. OP is also known tobe an oestrogen mimic and is moretoxic to aquatic organisms than NP.

While the current use of OPEsurfactants is minor compared toNPEs, the UK-based producers anddistributors have extended thevoluntary ban to OPE to avoidcompanies switching to these verysimilar materials. In this regard, theUK industry has taken a more long-sighted view than the EU legislationand is to be commended for itsresponsible attitude to self regulation.

Caroline Edser

RAWMATERIALS

Linear alkylbenzene

IOC plans to export LAB

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) is planning toexport 20-25% of the linearalkylbenzene (LAB) from its new120,000 tonnes/y plant in Baroda,Gujarat, which is scheduled to startup in 3Q 2004. India’s total LABcapacity stands at 370,000 tonnes/y,with demand in the year ending 31Mar 2003 of 300,000 tonnes. Themarket is growing by 3-4%/y.

Asian Chemical News, 1 Dec 2003, 10 (425), 8

Aromatics complex in India

Mangalore Refinery &Petrochemicals, India, is planning tobuild an aromatics complex and linearalkylbenzene (LAB) plant on the siteof its refinery in Mangalore,Karnataka.

European Chemical News, 1 Dec 2003, 79 (2079), 34

LAS assessment approved by OECD

A study which concluded that linearalkylbenzene (LAS) is a low priorityfor further health assessment workhas been approved by theOrganisation for EconomicCooperation & Development (OECD).

European Chemical News, 8/15 Dec 2003, 79 (2080),24

Companies bid for Egypt LABmanagement contract

Egyptian Petrochemicals Holdings Cohas received bids for the projectmanagement contract for an 80,000tonnes/y LAB plant at Alexandria,Egypt.

Chemical Week, 17 Dec 2003, 165 (45) (Website:http://www.chemicalweek.com)

Oleochemicals

New palm oil refinery for UAE

$26.3 M is to be invested by FelcraBhd of Malaysia in a new palm oilrefinery in Dubai. Crude palm oil willbe exported to the United ArabEmirates and processing will begin inDubai early in 2004.

Oils and Fats International, Jan 2004, 20 (1), 3

Proposal to hike non-edible palm oilduty in India

The Food Ministry has proposed ahike in the customs duty of non-ediblegrade crude palm oil and crude palmstearin from the present 30% to 65%to prevent these oils from beingmixed with vanaspati. The proposedhike in customs duty is for with freefatty acids above 20% and for crudestearin used to make soaps.

Business Line, 6 Jan 2004, 11 (6), 11

Other

Croda develops new triglycerides

Croda has come up with a new line ofenvironmentally friendly triglyceridesextracted from tropical fruits andseeds grown in the Amazonrainforest. The new products, whichexpand its Crodamazon rangeintroduced in 2002 (see ‘Focus onSurfactants’, Jan 2003), are oils

sourced from the seeds of Andiroba,Murumuru and Babassu,recommended for both skin and haircare products. There is also a newwater-soluble variant CrovolMaracuja, derived from passion fruit,which is a multifunctional ingredientfor use as a water-soluble emollient.Crovol Maracuja is a mild nonionicsurfactant, a superfatting andconditioning agent and a solubilizer. Itis claimed to have provenmoisturization and counter-irritancyproperties; as little as 1% can reducesurfactant irritation by as much as50%, the company says.

Press release from: Croda Chemicals Europe, CowickHall, Snaith, Goole, DN14 9AA, UK. Tel: +44 1405860551. Fax: +4 1405 860205. E-mail: pc-europe@croda.com (Dec 2003)

Sasol and Mitsubishi open new acrylicacid complex in South Africa

Sasol and Mitsubishi have startedproduction at their new 80,000tonnes/y acrylic acid and 125,000tonnes/y acrylic acid derivativescomplex at Sasolburg in South Africa.Full production will be reached during2H 2004 and annual export trade ofaround $150 M is forecast for 2005.The acrylic acid derivatives producedinclude butyl acetate, ethyl acrylate andacetic acid used in the manufacture ofpaints, adhesives, leather, detergentsand suberabsorbent polymers. Thisnew complex employing 90 staff willtrade as Sasol Dia Acrylates.

Chimie Hebdo, 24 Nov 2003, (235), 6 (in French)

Production, consumption anddevelopment of MIBK

During 2002 global capacity formethyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) was340,000 tonnes. Output of 237,500tonnes was reported in 2001. The USaccounts for 29.3% of globalproduction followed by Japan with19.7% and Western Europe with18.0%. During 2001 globalconsumption of MIBK amounted to204,000 tonnes, with the USaccounting for 32.35%, WesternEurope 26.4% and Japan 19.11%.Consumption in these areas isexpected to remain stable during theperiod 2001-2006. Overall demandfor MIBK solvents will decline,

2 FEBRUARY 2004

F O C U S O N S U R F A C T A N T S