Page 150 - CW E-Magazine (8-7-2025)

News from Abroad News from Abroad

DIGITALISATION EXPANDING PORTFOLIO
Honeywell to help Borouge adopt AI-driven Covestro acquires Swiss maker of speciality

autonomous operations adhesive fi lms

Borouge, the UAE based petro- German materials fi rm, Covestro, in Europe, combine our innovative two specialised production sites in
chemicals company owned by AD- has signed an agreement to acquire strength, and develop new markets,” Switzerland and Germany, focusing
NOC and Borealis, is collaborating Pontacol, a Swiss manufacturer of he added. on different fi lm technologies. “This
with Honeywell to conduct a ‘proof multi-layer adhesive fi lms. not only strengthens the company’s
of concept’ for AI-powered autono- Covestro said the acquisition will global manufacturing network but
mous operations at its manufacturing “The acquisition of Pontacol is bolster its fi lm business with highly also improves the regional availa-
facilities. strategically sound and financially specialised fl at and blown fi lms. The bility of adhesive fi lms. The acquisi-
attractive,” said Christian Baier, Chief fi lm segment is said to be growing conti- tion also opens up additional value
This will result in the petrochemi- Financial Offi cer of Covestro. “We nuously worldwide, primarily driven creation potential through comple-
cal industry’s “fi rst AI-driven control are gaining a profi table company with by increasing demand in key future mentary technologies, an expanded
room” designed for full-scale, real-time signifi cant growth potential and rele- markets such as medical technology, customer and product portfolio, as
operation, establishing a new standard vant synergy effects. This allows us to mobility, and the textile industry. well as synergies in central func-
for the future of AI in petrochemicals, strategically expand our production tions and procurement,” the company
Borouge informed. capacities for multi-layer adhesive fi lms Additionally, Covestro is acquiring informed.

The initiative aims to deploy the PARTNERSHIP
proof-of-concept technologies to en-
hance Borouge’s operations across its Emirates Biotech, United Arab Emirates University
Ruwais facilities in the UAE. Autono-
mous operations will enable Borouge solutions and advanced machine learn- innovation – generated $573-mn in join forces to advance PLA technology
to optimise production, reduce energy ing algorithms. value. George Bou Mitri, President of
use, and enhance safety while reducing Honeywell Industrial Automation, Middle Emirates Biotech has announced a optimise PLA performance and envi- Kulshrestha, Chief Technology Offi cer of
costs at what will be the single largest The project is a key component of East, Turkey, Africa, Central Asia, said, partnership with the United Arab Emi- ronmental benefi ts. The outcomes aim Emirates Biotech, said.
petrochemical site in the world. Borouge’s companywide AIDT (AI, “By integrating AI and automation tech- rates University (UAEU) to conduct to support the commercialisation of
Digitalisation, and Technology) pro- nologies into core operations, we are collaborative research on novel polylactic bioplastics tailored to the evolving Professor Mohamed H. Al-Marzouqi,
As part of the collaboration agree- gramme, which is projected to generate helping unlock new levels of effi ciency, acid (PLA) applications and end-of-life needs of the UAE and the wider Middle Dean of the College of Engineering at
ment, both companies will bring their $575-mn in value this year. In 2024, safety, and performance. This agreement solutions. East region. UAEU stated, “Our partnership with
expertise in process technology and Borouge’s portfolio of over 200 AIDT initi- shows how advanced technologies, Emirates Biotech aligns with our mis-
autonomous control capabilities to identify atives – spanning operations, health and applied with purpose, can reshape indus- The joint research projects will “This collaboration will be in- sion to advance engineering solutions
new opportunities to deploy Agentic AI safety, sales, sustainability, and product trial operations at scale.” engage UAEU’s students and faculty, strumental in positioning PLA as a that address sustainability challenges
and leverage the university’s facili-
credible and sustainable alternative to and foster innovation in materials
Sika takes over Qatari construction chemicals fi rm ties to explore innovative methods to fossil-based plastics,” Dr. Aman science for long-term regional impact.”

Swiss speciality chemicals fi rm, growth in Qatar and the neighbouring utilities sector as well as major projects Evonik expands capacity of polybutadiene additives
Sika, has acquired Gulf Additive Factory countries. “The combination of Sika’s in transportation, healthcare, tourism,
LLC (GAF) in Qatar. The company existing product portfolio and locally and industrial manufacturing. in China
manufactures a wide range of construc- produced additions, such as the EIFS
tion chemical products including con- system, perfectly positions Sika to Christoph Ganz, Regional Manager German chemicals firm, Evonik, formance additive, which is critical for and shorter lead times,” says Dr. Anna
crete admixtures, mortars, flooring, benefi t from the increased demand for EMEA, added, “With this acquisition, has decided to localise the fi nal production various applications, including rubber Maria Ickert, Head of Evonik Coating &
waterproofi ng and facade systems (EIFS: energy efficient cool houses,” the we will strengthen our local expertise step of its Polyvest ST-E 60 branded compounds, adhesives, coatings, tyres, Adhesive Resins. Polyvest is used as
Exterior Insulation and Finish System), company added. and production setup. It will provide us silane-functionalised polybutadienes and sealants. a reactive plasticiser in tyre formu-
which are manufactured in a facility with a strong foundation to continue to in Shanghai, China. The expansion lations. Thanks to its rubber-based
close to Doha. The construction market in Qatar is drive our growth and benefi t from the is expected to be fully operational by “This strategic investment will nature, Polyvest provides a natural
expected to grow at a CAGR of over ambitious investment programmes in Q3 2025. By localising and expanding enhance our production capabilities fi t and is highly compatibility with
Sika said GAF’s modern manufac- 4% until 2028. Growth will be driven both the infrastructure and commercial global capacity, Evonik aims to meet and ensure that our customers in Asia the rubber matrix of tyre tread
turing site will help expand and drive by large investments in the energy and construction segments.” the ongoing demand for this high-per- benefi t from improved supply security compounds.

150 Chemical Weekly July 8, 2025 Chemical Weekly July 8, 2025 151

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