Biotechnologies for producing glycols and polyols are discussed along with cost of production estimates for a range of bioglycols and biopolyols. Regional supply, demand and trade data are also given.

The status of emerging renewable fuel technologies (e.g., Syntroleum’s Bio-Synfining) are reviewed & an analysis of the yields from steam cracking renewable naphtha is given.

Current and developing xylenes production technologies are reviewed. Cost estimates have been developed for p-xylene production via a number of process technologies (e.g. EB Isomerization & Dealkylation, TDP & Selective TDP/Crystallization, PxMaxSM/Crystallization, C9 Transalkylation/Adsorption/Isomerization, Hydrotreating/Reforming etc) and m-xylene production via UOP MX Sorbex technology.

The chemistry, commercial and developing process technologies, and production economics for butadiene, isobutylene, n-butenes are presented. In addition, supply/demand forecasts for the U.S., Western Europe, and Asia Pacific are provided.

Technology and cost of production estimates to convert biomass into acetyls at commercial scale capacities based on both fermentation and thermochemical (gasification) platforms is reviewed. Acetyl integration opportunities and economics of acetic anhydride, VAM, and ethyl/butyl acetates produced via traditional petrochemical routes are compared to the potential "green" routes.

Cost estimates for crude and glacial products have been developed for the commercial propylene oxidation process and for emerging processes via fermentation of glucose to 3HP, oxidation of (glycerol-derived) acrolein, catalytic conversion of (ethylene oxide derived) ß-propiolactone, and via the historical acetylene based (Reppe) process.

Commercial phosphoric acid technologies, including those on offer from Technips, Prayon and Jacobs Engineering are discussed. Recent developments are reviewed. Cost of production estimates for the hemihydrate and dihydrate processes are given.

Current Direct Coal Liquefaction (DCL) technologies and recent developments including hybrid liquefaction technology are discussed. Cost of production economics for DCL processes on a China and USGC basis are examined.

Current process technology, economics and trends are given for the leading thermoplastic resin processing technologies inlcuding: compounding, blown film extrusion, bi-axially oriented polypropylene film and thermoforming. A market overview on end-uses of such fabricated processes for North America is provided.

The technology and economics of ethanol manufacture are presented. U.S. based corn dry milling, wheat fermentation, switchgrass fermentation with power production and a Brazilian sugarcane fermentation case are assessed. A thermochemical approach, biomass gasification to mixed alcohols is included.