Latest process technologies for producing biodiesel are assessed. Axen’s Esterfip-H™ process and Neste Oil’s NExBTL® process are analyzed and production economics are compared to conventional base-catalyzed process.

Health, safety, and regulatory issues are driving change in the plasticizers business away from phthalate-based materials. This report assesses the chemistry, production technology and costs, and properties of a variety of non-phthalate plasticizers including BASF’s new Hexamoll DINCH, Eastman’s di-(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate.

Regional round-up of industry developments, regional pricing analysis and capacity expansions are provided for the second quarter 2008. The overall outlook of the potential impact of declining economic growth and rising oil prices on polyofelins demand and margins is included.

Analysis of the profitability of the U.S. refining and petrochemical industry for the second quarter of 2008