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December 18, 2006

Business Concentrates

2006 Year In Review

Calm weather and fairly stable energy prices contributed to solid industry profits.

Dow's Emotional Pitch

Eschewing facts and figures, a new ad campaign shoots for the heart.

Innovating At Bayer

Board member Plischke seeks to link R&D among big firm's three main units.

December 11, 2006

Business Concentrates

Raw Materials Reality

BASF workshop aims at practical assessment of alternative energy and chemical feedstocks.

Ambitious Plans

Oxiteno CEO will take charge of its parent company and its expansion program.

December 4, 2006

Business Concentrates

A Small Firm With Big Aspirations

Potassium permanganate leader Carus Chemical looks for growth in the Middle East and Asia.

Big Petrochemical Plans

Latin America, and Brazil in particular, is seeing no shortage of chemical projects in the works.

European Earnings

The third quarter was generally strong for Europe's chemical companies.

Olefin Dispersions

Low-viscosity waterborne dispersions enable thin, solvent-free films.

The Metropark Desk

Where chemistry reaches beyond the world of science.

November 27, 2006

Business Concentrates

Intermediates Maven

Porton endeavors to stand out as an innovative and reliable Chinese producer of fine chemicals.

Eastman's Initiative

Company is betting on technology to lower costs and drive growth.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Merger of two big players in scientific products creates lab industry giant.

November 20, 2006

Business Concentrates

Earnings Growth Accelerates

Third-quarter improvement for major chemical companies raises hope for a good full year.

Big Pharma Regroups

Drug companies' third-quarter results provide an early glimpse of life under new leaders.

Biotech Firms Keep In Good Health

New product launches could drive growth in upcoming quarters.

On The Auction Block

Though chemical patents were offered at this year's second public sale, they found few bidders, no buyers.

Cover Story: Better Energy Through Chemistry

By supporting new energy creation techniques, specialty chemical companies are turning the oil and gas price run-up into a business opportunity.

Solar Revolution

The market for photovoltaics is expanding rapidly, and chemical companies are taking notice.

Fuels Of The Future

Chemistry and agriculture join to make a new generation of renewable fuels.

Start-up Firms Pursue Biofuels

Entrepreneurs invigorate search for economical biomass-based fuels.

Back To The Well

Chemistry targets cost-efficient extraction of oil and gas from mature reserves.

Microbial Methane Farming

With a boost from BASF, Luca is testing production of 'real-time' gas in mature wells.

Walking The Line

Protein motors march cargo to the extremities of a cell and drag apart DNA during mitosis.

November 13, 2006

Business Concentrates

Dow Sets Sights On R&D Breakthroughs

Chief Technology Officer Banholzer directs the firm's scientists to pursue raw material and process advances.

Shri Thanedar

A chemist from modest origins creates a formidable analytical testing business.

November 6, 2006

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Slow And Steady

Albemarle finds that a measured approach can win the race in custom manufacturing.

Recognizing Research

Government paper quantifies R&D's contribution to gross domestic product.

October 30, 2006

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Chinese Industrial Parks Up The Ante

Managers of industrial development zones all over China learn to better serve foreign and domestic companies.

Catered Services

Newcomer Minakem is banking on opportunities in the market for contract APIs.

C&EN Talks With Clint Brooks

Innovations in flavors and fragrances frequently begin along an unassuming state highway in New Jersey.

October 23, 2006

Business Concentrates

Finding New Life For Old Carpets

After slow start, the carpet recycling industry is gaining traction.

Renewed Optimism for Fine Chemicals

Asian competition is rising, but a healthier pipeline has custom manufacturers feeling upbeat at CPhI.

R&D Rises In EU

'Scoreboard' finds pharmaceutical and chemical companies are among top European investors in research.

October 16, 2006

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BASF Strikes Back

German chemical giant says streamlining and acquisitions set the stage for North American success.

Stocks Advance

Higher prices for most chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech shares sent indexes up in third quarter.

CEFIC Revamps

European chemical council's new president aims to bolster innovation.

Cover Story: Paints and Coatings

Consolidation among paint material makers brings opportunities as well as risks.

Thermal Spray Goes Cool

New cold spray technique for high-performance coatings is the latest thing in surface modification.

Greening The Paint Market

Industry looks for new ways to reduce the environmental impact of paints and coatings.

Cyclodextrins Could Enhance Paint

Sugar-based molecule to help walls stay clean and pleasant smelling.

All That Glitters

Special effects pigments continue to dazzle by playing with light.

October 9, 2006

Propylene Oxide Routes Take Off

Freeing propylene oxide from its coproducts has been elusive, but new plants may finally make it work.

Moving Beyond 'Me-Too'

AstraZeneca's Boston site offers a window into how a big drug firm plans to regain its competitive edge.

Business Concentrates

Propylene Oxide Routes Take Off

Freeing propylene oxide from its coproducts has been elusive, but new plants may finally make it work.

Moving Beyond 'Me-Too'

AstraZeneca's Boston site offers a window into how a big drug firm plans to regain its competitive edge.

October 2, 2006

Business Concentrates

Solar Market Powers Silicon

Polysilicon shortages are boon to manufacturers, bane of solar energy industry.

Making Proteins

Companies tackle challenge of scaling up production of biopharmaceuticals.

C&EN Talks With Wally Gilbert

A biotechnology pioneer takes on the big picture.

September 25, 2006

Business Concentrates

Arming Antibodies

Antibodies loaded with highly potent drugs are finally making their way into the clinic.

Lanxess Prospers

Company has overcome massive debt and money-losing businesses and now seeks acquisitions.

Indian Firms Go Global

Acquisition of beleaguered fine chemicals assets represents an inroad to the Western market.

Complying with FDA

A growing number of Asian pharmaceutical chemical producers take steps to meet U.S. standards.

September 18, 2006

Business Concentrates

Starting Over

Distinguished by private equity roots, Rockwood takes a fresh approach to managing businesses.

Surviving The Cutthroat World Of Vitamins

International vitamin producers face up to fierce Chinese competition.

September 11, 2006

Cover Story: Information Technology

Chemical companies are targeting IT investments to new applications of existing systems, including logistics management.

Business Concentrates

In Search Of The Perfect Auto Tire

Polyurethane looks enticing, but it may not be the ultimate answer.

Fixing A Hole

Hole-injection materials are becoming the focus of R&D in next-generation displays.

September 4, 2006

Business Concentrates

Earth-Friendly Cool Cars In 2011

Fluorine-based-refrigerant makers jockey to save auto-air-conditioning market from CO2 threat.

Insights: Just Musing

Oil, gas, interest rates, chemicals are intertwined, so what is the worst that could happen?

August 28, 2006

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Reconnecting To Science

Pharma research conference looks beyond the 'blockbuster' business model.

Pushing Moore's Law

More powerful chips may someday require the semiconductor industry to take its cues from biology.

Speedy Discovery

Kalypsys hopes to accelerate the flow of high-quality drug candidates into the clinic.

August 21, 2006

Business Concentrates

Cover Story: R&D Takes Off In Shanghai

Chemical and drug companies rush to set up corporate laboratories, straining the availability of qualified scientists.

A Modest Rise For Chemical Earnings

Most firms show increases, but total growth was just 0.4% at 24 companies.

Life After Zocor

U.S. drug majors offered steady second-quarter results, despite shake-up in cholesterol market.

Biotech Companies Maintain Stride

Larger companies continue to feel the pressure to bring new drugs to market.

August 14, 2006

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Life After DuPont

Entrepreneurial scientists are finding new careers in the shadow of the big chemical company.

Helsinki Puts Out The Welcome Mat

Finnish capital works to overcome image of frozen north and make new chemicals agency feel at home.

Business Concentrates

Price Fixers Beware

The European Union explores ways to make it easier for cartel victims to recover damages.

Improving Profitability

Newly independent from Total, Arkema pushes to boost performance, raise profits.

Firms, Stock Analysts Should Take A Long View

Companies should end quarterly earnings guidance and focus on long term, business group says.

July 31, 2006

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Getting Smaller

Supplying chemicals to the semiconductor industry presents challenges above mere technical ones.

Industrial Biotech

BIO conference charts the long route to economic viability in fuels and chemicals.

Scotland Invests

Country's economic development agency has multipronged approach for research-based industries.

July 24, 2006

Cover Story: Global Top 50

Dow and BASF retain the top two spots, but the chemical businesses of three big oil companies edge DuPont out of the top five of C&EN's annual survey

Business Concentrates

Rhodia's Rebound

With the sale of its contract manufacturing unit, Rhodia plays to its strengths in specialty chemicals.

Women In Industry

Women post gains in the chemical company executive suite but not in the boardroom.

Embracing Research

Galapagos bucks trend by diving into the business of contract chemistry research.

July 17, 2006

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Changing Tides

Breakthroughs in manufacturing are making large-scale synthesis of peptides a viable proposition.

New Lines Drawn At Chemspec Europe

Exhibitors have segregated fine and specialties operations, but both sectors still matter.

Stock Indexes Fall In Second Quarter

Shares of most chemical and pharmaceutical companies drop; shares of biotech firms plunge.

July 10, 2006

Business Concentrates

Facts & Figures

Chemical industry data for 2005 show continued improvements in sales and earnings.
Finances | Employment | Production | Trade | Tables: CSV Format

Building A Business On Biodegradability

Finnish firm is expanding markets for body implants with novel bioactive ingredients.

The Trouble With Prices

U.S. chemical firms struggle with energy and raw material inflation.

Thinking Locally, Acting Locally

Nova Chemicals presses on as a regional player in a global business.

July 3, 2006

Business Concentrates

July 3, 2006

Changing Course

While Indian custom manufacturers push into the West, Degussa stakes out territory in Asia.

July 3, 2006

Sweet Home, Chicago

Plastics makers used NPE 2006 as a forum to reveal big plans.

C&EN Talks With Robert L. Wood

Setbacks aside, Chemtura CEO still expects firm to be the best U.S. specialty company.

June 26, 2006

Business Concentrates

Innocentive Opens Research Doors

More partners and new investors help the R&D-directed website extend channels for innovation.

Off Of The Sidelines

New leadership and ad campaign results are lifting faith in chemical industry's main trade association.

Silane Chemistry Home

Dow Corning launches 'solutions center' in Belgium for its global silanes business.

June 19, 2006

Business Concentrates

June 19, 2006

Special Issue

Pharma's Road Ahead

cover image

C&EN examines how the pharmaceutical industry, now on the defensive, is trying to win back the public's confidence and enhance productivity.

June 12, 2006

Business Concentrates

Lure Of Biologics

Once kept at arm's length, biotechnology is being embraced by big pharma.

Patents Go To Gavel

Ocean Tomo's live auction of intellectual assets intrigues chemical companies.

Polyethylene In The Sand

France's Total is one of several Western chemical firms seeking to exploit Qatar's natural gas resources.

June 5, 2006

Business Concentrates

Reaching India's Labs

Suppliers of research chemicals struggle to speed up deliveries to their growing customers in India.

Building Alliances

U.K. conference spotlights new ways for pharmaceutical companies to partner their way to success.

Cosmetic Appeal

More chemical companies see personal care as an outlet for their products and technologies.

Extreme Takeover

The nationalization of oil and gas resources in Latin America will eventually backfire.

May 29, 2006

Business Concentrates

Dow Chemical

CEO Andrew Liveris outlines challenges faced by his firm as well as those of the chemical industry.

Upbeat In Orlando

Software giant SAP racks up kudos at its Sapphire users conference.

Preventing Malaria

Insecticide-treated nets are playing an important role in fighting malaria in Africa, Southeast Asia.

May 22, 2006

Business Concentrates

Chemical Earnings Decline Slightly

Lower demand and rising costs continue to hamper results at 25 firms.

Strong Profit Gains For Big Drug Producers

First-quarter results signal that cost-cutting measures are helping the bottom line.

A Steady Start For Biopharma Companies

Larger biotech firms are starting to feel the same portfolio challenges as big pharma companies.

Angel Of Ailing Firms

Mumbai's Arch Pharmalabs grows fast by buying distressed drug plants and hiring new managers.

May 15, 2006

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Top 50 Chemical Producers

Latest survey reflects several mergers and another strong year for U.S. chemical makers.

Discovering Japan

Fine chemicals makers vie, with mixed results, for business with Japanese drug companies.

Committing to India

Wyeth's search for a new contract research partner led it around the globe to Hyderabad's GVK Bio.

An Experienced Newcomer

After almost 20 years of working with Solvay, Indian firm RSIL widens its contract research business.

May 8, 2006

Business Concentrates

Personal Care

Synthetic polymers improve the style, feel, and functionality of the latest cosmetics.

At BIO 2006

Budgets, scientific integrity, and energy policy are criticized by science policy experts at AAAS forum.

May 1, 2006

Business Concentrates

Lonza Ups The Ante

After years of calculated but risky investments, Lonza finds the cards stacked in its favor.

Insights

Ethical questions abound when considering a future in which human biology, information technology, and nanorobotics merge.

Nanotechnology

As they launch commercial products, companies wrestle with health, safety, and other concerns and issues.

April 24, 2006

Business Concentrates

Ionic Liquids

Commercial applications are being realized for ionic liquids, but the new product registration process could limit growth.

The Switch Is On For Refrigerants

HCFCs will be phased out under the Montreal protocol, but the change isn't smooth.

Getting The Lead Out

Innospec's new name and stock listing are part of ongoing specialties strategy.

April 17, 2006

Business Concentrates

Oligonucleotides

After enduring a period of skepticism, oligonucleotide-based antisense drugs appear to be regaining favor in the investment community.

Chemical Stocks Star In Quarter

Chemicals beat major indexes, while biotech and pharmaceutical shares lag behind.

Indian Sizzler

Even as costs surge for India's fine chemicals and pharmaceutical companies, managers remain bullish.

April 10, 2006

Business Concentrates

The Other Drug For Avian Flu

Relenza is less well-known than Tamiflu, but its use is equally controversial.

Securing Chemical Plants From Attack

Electronics are key for Honeywell and other firms, but critics want bigger barriers and safer technologies.

The Petrochemical Skies May Eventually Fall

Petrochemical producers are enjoying large profits, but they fear the end of their run.

Pharma Outsourcing

The search for a cure for cancer unites three partnerships between a drug developer and a pharmaceutical chemical company

Double Play

A successful contract with a productive drug developer leads to a second piece of business.

Speed Limit

A pharmaceutical company and its chemistry partner scramble when a drug is fast-tracked.

Crossover

The effort to develop a small-molecule follow-on leads to a contract between neighboring firms.

April 3, 2006

Midwestern Home

Several small pharmaceutical chemical makers credit the region for their success.

C&EN Talks With Gary S. Calabrese

Rohm and Haas chief technology officer goes for the 'cool stuff'.

March 27, 2006

Business Concentrates

Body, Heal Thyself

After false starts, cancer immunotherapies tiptoe toward commercialization.

Island Complex

Taiwanese petrochemical industry grows despite land shortage, growing public pressure.

March 20, 2006

Business Concentrates

Petrochemicals Keep Up The Pace

Even with a few setbacks, petrochemical makers had a decent year in 2005 and are optimistic about 2006.

Shrinking Sales For U.S. Pharma Firms

The industry's heavy reliance on cholesterol-lowering drugs rippled through fourth-quarter results.

Corporate Star Search

Start-up firm NineSigma uses Internet to match industrial clients with inventive partners.

Biotech Shines In 2005

Treatments for cancer and arthritis propel sales and profits at biopharmaceutical firms.

March 13, 2006

Business Concentrates

Back To Business

Custom chemical manufacturers showed renewed faith in their industry at this year's Informex.

The Case For Saltigo

Lanxess is betting that a revamped custom chemical business will finally turn a profit.

'Lost Chemistry' Hurts U.S. Industry

As overall trade deficit deepens, chemistry component of downstream industries dwindles.

March 6, 2006

Business Concentrates

Reviving W.R. Grace

CEO Fred Festa prepares Grace for the day when bankruptcy ends.

Huntsman Takes Stock

SCI medalist Jon Huntsman reflects on his formative years in the chemical business.

Working The Library

Singapore's MerLion builds a business out of its rich library of natural compounds.

Populating The Lab

Demographics may get in the way of ensuring a strong chemistry contingent in the next 15 years.

February 27, 2006

Business Concentrates

Chemical Earnings In Fourth Quarter

Results were hard hit by effects of hurricanes; DuPont was a big factor in poor growth.

Giving REACH Program A Consumer Face

Downstream users of chemicals see several issues still to be resolved for Europe's chemicals policy.

An Unlikely Center For Pharmaceuticals

India has skilled labor and China has raw materials, but big drug companies prefer Singapore

February 20, 2006

Business Concentrates

Sigma-Aldrich's New Five-Year Plan

The firm's SAFC fine chemicals group has set itself apart and is in position for growth.

Shuffling The Deck

2005 was a strong year for acquisitions, led by activity in commodity chemical deals.

A New Job For Enzymes

Commercializing cellulosic ethanol will require enzymes and perhaps government help as well.

February 13, 2006

Business Concentrates

Breaking Through

Printable electronics is attracting growing interest and is gearing up for commercial applications.

Teaching An Old Drug New Tricks

Gene Logic is convincing big pharma to take another look at abandoned drugs.

Strategies Shift In Contract Biologics

Some fine chemicals makers pull back, while others push ahead on commercial production.

Custom Chemicals

As the global paradigm for the custom manufacturing business continuesto shift, providers struggle to differentiate themselves from the competition

Europe Adopts GMP Regulations

Directive on Good Manufacturing Practices could help level the competitive playing field

Fine Chemicals Group Offers Commonsense Steps

EFCG Reaches Milestones After First Year

Outlook Remains Cautious For 2006

Jaded industry participants are wary about predicting an upturn for custom chemicals

February 6, 2006

Business Concentrates

Labor Productivity Rises Again In 2005

Growth is less than in 2004; unit labor costs worsen on strength of wage increases.

Drug Patents

Indian drugmaker Cipla makes a persuasive case for royalties instead of exclusive patents.

January 30, 2006

Business Concentrates

Making One Out Of Many In England

Initiative pulls a fragmented industry together to give country's northeast a stronger chemical voice.

Dr. Reddy's Gambit

Frequent drug industry nemesis seeks to boost its custom manufacturing business.

Soaps & Detergents

Specialty chemical makers seek business both with cleaning product innovators and the companies that follow them.

Automatic Dishwashing

Technology At Heart Of New Product.

Surfactant Firms End A Tough Year

Restructuring steps are taken to counteract challenges in a competitive industry.

Soap & Detergent Association

Trade Group Confronts Emerging Chemical Regulations.

January 23, 2006

Business Concentrates

Bhopal's Wound

More than 21 years after the disaster, there is no agreement on how to clean up old Union Carbide site.

January 16, 2006

Business Concentrates

Stock Indexes Mixed

Chemicals and biotech improve in fourth quarter, but pharmaceuticals decline slightly.

C&EN Talks With Stephen F. Paul

Princeton University physics professor promotes a domestic designer fuel.

January 9, 2006

Business Concentrates

The ADM Way Of Making Chemicals

Agribusiness giant goes head-to-head against petroleum-based chemical companies.

Cooking With Gas

Air Liquide prepares for a run-up in hydrogen use to improve petroleum-based fuels.

World Chemical Outlook

Forecasts are mixed but favorable overall for the global chemical industry in 2006, much as 2005 turned out. Buzz will be about Europe's new chemicals policy and the strongly performing Asian economies.

January 2, 2006

Business Concentrates

Diamond Gives Sparkle To R&D

New synchrotron sets out welcome mat for industrial researchers who need powerful light analysis.

Future Doc

Big questions and ethical conundrums abound at the dawn of 'personalized medicine'.