German chemical firm Evonik has started construction of its latest production plant for the manufacture of isoprene and isophorone diamine in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP). Worth EUR100 million, the new plant is expected to come on stream in Q1 2014.

Products from the new facilities will primarily serve markets in China and Asia Pacific, with an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes.

In addition, Evonik is installing a new Technical Service Centre at its Xinzhuang site in Shanghai. The facility will include laboratories for applied technology with aims to develop isophorone product applications and provide technology service for customers throughout in the region.

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.