The process technologies and production economics for all major linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) technology holders are presented.  New developments, background information (including licensees), and process description are provided for each technology.  Cost of production estimates have been developed for conventional and second generation (metallocene/single-site, easy processing) LLDPE resins on a USGC, China, and Middle East basis.  Demand by end use, capacity, and supply/demand/trade data is provided on a global and tri-regional basis.

Polystyrene process technologies and production economics are presented. Process descriptions for GPPS, HIPS and EPS are provided for licensed technologies along with cost of production estimates for USGC, Western Europe and China.  Demand by end use, capacity, and supply/demand/trade data is provided for global and regional markets.

Propane dehydrogenation is emerging as a dominant on-purpose propylene technology.  In this report, fixed-bed, moving-bed, and fluid-bed propane dehydrogenation technologies are described and production economics for both commercial and developmental processes are discussed.  An overview of key economic drivers, propane dehydrogenation developments, and propylene markets is also provided.

This report covers the markets, applications, formulation considerations, monomer selection, production technology, and cost-of-production estimates for pure acrylic, styrene acrylic and vinyl acrylic latex (or emulsions).  The use of acrylic latex in paints and coatings is examined in detail, including typical production methods for paints, and types of acrylic latex consumed by region.  The drivers for innovation, key producers, and growth strategies in this segment are also discussed.

This report has two key goals: to review and compare the technologies and equipment that are employed to unload, store and vaporize LNG; and to identify and describe the key opportunities and threats facing regasification terminal project development going forward.    

This PERP report provides an overview of mononitrobenzene, aniline and MDI technology, including a discussion of both generic and proprietary commercialized production routes.  Overview of the MDI business, the production economics and market conditions for major regions are included.

Polyamides, often also referred to as nylons, are a major class of thermoplastic resins that are used in the production of fibers, films and molded articles.  Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 are the most important and highest-volume types and are the focus of this report.  Nylon 6 is made by the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam while nylon 6,6 is from the polycondensation of HMDA and adipic acid.  This PERP report provides an overview of the production, commercial technology, market and economics of nylon 6 and 6,6  polymers, including nylon 6,6 monomers and nylon compounds.  

This report reviews the ortho-xylene and naphthalene routes to phthalic anhydride (PAN) production as well as details the separation of ortho-xylene from mixed xylenes and the naphthalene distillation from coal tar.  The PAN cost of production via those two routes for plants located in the United States, Western Europe, South Korea, and China has been estimated for the first quarter of 2016.  Nexant also commented on the motivations behind the recent capacity additions and closures and provided a high-level analysis of the business and strategic considerations, as well as the technology availability from the perspective of a company entering or expanding into the PAN market.  This analysis is underpinned by a review of end-use sector consumption as well as regional market dynamics. 

The report provides an overview of hydrocarbon resin process chemistry and a comparison of commercial technologies for different types of hydrocarbon resins.  Cost of production estimates are included in selected regions for synthetic petroleum hydrocarbon resins (aliphatic, aromatic, waterwhite and polyterpenes) and natural hydrocarbon resins (rosin).  A market review including regional capacities and supply/demand analysis is also presented for synthetic petroleum hydrocarbon resins.

The report provides an analysis of the commercial acetylene-based and ethylene-based technologies for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), including a review of proprietary processes developed by major VAM producers. Cost of production estimates are included to illustrate the cost competitiveness of different routes in selected regions. A market review including regional capacities and supply/demand figures is also presented.