Lanxess intends to increase its operating margin to 14 - 18 % from 2021. This target is to be achieved by further diversification and strict portfolio management. Chemtura synergies and high-yielding organic growth projects are expected to be key drivers for profitability. Furthermore a group-wide digitalization initiative has been launched. The Cologne-based speciality chemicals company announced these and other strategic details at a Media Day on the 5 September 2017.

Shandong Shougang Luqing Co. has chosen LyondellBasell's Hostalen ACP polyethylene (PE) process technology for a new high-density PE (HDPE) facility in China.

Siam Cement Group (SCG) and PetroVietnam have signed an agreement to accelerate the progress of the Long Son petrochemical project in Vung Tau province, Vietnam, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

Japan and Singapore have expressed interest in buying rubber from Mon State if local firms are able to produce a sufficient supply of export-quality rubber, according to the Mon State Rubber Planters and Producers Association (MRPPA).

China wants to import 300,000 tons of rubber from Cambodia by early next year, as the Cambodian government boosts its capacity for direct rubber exports to China.

Following the completion of the acquisition of US chemical company Chemtura at the end of April 2017, Lanxess has subsequently adjusted its group structure. With immediate effect, Lanxess is reporting on five segments comprising a total of twelve business units.

Taiwan has shown interest in investing in the country's plastic sector especially in producing raw materials required for the industry.

A Chinese proposal to set up a refinery along with a downstream petrochemical complex near Karachi is advancing steadily as requests for 500-1,000 acres has been submitted to the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan.  

Trelleborg announced that its business area Trelleborg Sealing Solutions will invest a total of approximately SEK 120 million (~ EUR 12.6 million) during 2017 – 2020 in a new production facility for sealing solutions in Denmark. The production at the current manufacturing facility in Helsingør will be relocated to the nearby new facility, said the company. It is estimated that production will be able to commence in the new facility at the beginning of 2020.

BASF SE announced that it plans to establish the new group company BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH as of 1 September 2017. This wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF New Business GmbH will be headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, at the site of InnovationLab GmbH. It will focus on establishing and expanding the business with materials, system solutions, components and services in the field of 3D printing. The company will work closely with researchers and application engineers from BASF and external partners, such as universities and potential customers, in order to develop the right solutions for a wide array of requirements, said BASF.