AkzoNobel has signed an agreement to supply its pioneering Continuous Initiator Dosing (CiD) technology to Mexichem, one of the world's largest PVC manufacturers.

The deal involves three Mexichem plants (two in Mexico, one in Colombia), which will be supplied with organic peroxide by AkzoNobel's Los Reyes site, where EUR9 million is being invested to boost the existing manufacturing capacity.

Launched in 2007, the patented CiD technology was developed to help PVC manufacturers improve reactor output, product quality and operational safety. It allows PVC producers to improve productivity in a key manufacturing step by as much as 20% to 30%, as well as greatly improving the whiteness of the PVC when compared with conventional technology.

"The Mexichem agreement fits perfectly with AkzoNobel's sustainable growth strategy for establishing long-term business partnerships and secures the position of our High Polymers business as a leading supplier of cutting-edge products and technology," said Werner Fuhrmann, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. "The new investment not only represents an important breakthrough in markets outside Europe - where we already have five licenses - but also enhances the flexibility of our overall peroxide manufacturing in the Americas."

AkzoNobel's CiD technology - which is expected to continue gaining market share - is already being used by customers in countries such as Germany, Spain and Russia.

Strengthening its presence in Asia, Rosti has established a subsidiary, Rosti Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS), located in Senai in southern Malaysia.

Indian firm Jain Irrigation Systems will invest US$375 million over the next few years to build sustainable agriculture that will improve income of small farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

BOPP producer Taghleef Industries has acquired Applied Extrusion Technologies (AET), a US-based manufacturer of specialised BOPP films.

Sabic has shipped its first consignment of ethanolamines and ethoxylates from its manufacturing plant in Jubail, Saudi Kayan, making Saudi Arabia

Rome-based Assobioplastiche and Bangkok-based Thai Bioplastics Industry Association have formed a five-year agreement to carry out R&D of bioplastics.

US-based specialised polymer materials provider PolyOne announced the opening of its innovation centre in Shanghai, China.