Regional round-up of industry developments, regional pricing analysis and capacity expansions are provided for the first quarter, 2006. In addition, a discussion of the technologies and economics of coal to polyethylene in China is included.

Definition of the techno-economic models used in the Quarterly Business Analysis reports in 2006

Supply chain information technologies that can help shape profitability and increase efficiency of petroleum companies are presented.

The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for MMA are presented.  Emphasis is given to comparing the new Lucite Alpha process to isobutylene-based routes, the conventional acetone cyanohydrin process, and BASF’s ethylene-based process.