The chemistry, process technology and production economics for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are presented.  Conventional PET technology is compared to several “improved” licensable PET processes. Of particular interest is a speculative analysis of Eastman’s IntegRex process on both stand-alone and close-coupled bases.  Regional PET S/D forecasts are also provided.

The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for maleic anhydride are presented. Fixed bed, fluid bed, and transport bed reactors are described and compared, along with solvent and aqueous recovery techniques.

The economics of using competing feedstocks for VCM manufacture are elucidated.  Coal-based acetylene in China, ethanol-based ethylene in Brazil, E/P-based ethylene in the U.S. and naphtha-based ethylene in Western Europe for VCM production are compared.

The chemistry, process technology and production economics for six different routes to “green” propylene are presented.  Feedstocks for the various approaches include ethanol, biobutanol, biomass, and vegetable oil.  Regional supply/demand forecasts for propylene are also provided.