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February 1, 2013

News for American Chemistry

Top Story

ACC: New research shows need for increased rail competition
Higher rail-freight rates driven by a lack of access to competitive rail service are harming chemical and plastic shippers and the U.S. economy, according to research released by the American Chemistry Council. ACC urged the Surface Transportation Board and Congress to adopt policies that would increase rail-to-rail competition and allow free markets to determine fair rates. Chemical Week (subscription required) (1/31), Politico (Washington, D.C.) (1/31)

Policy Watch

Dow Chemical expects ethylene "double peak"
The low price of natural gas and increased operating rates could mean a "double peak" for ethylene, said Dow Chemical chief Andrew Liveris. "Wet shale gas dynamics are fundamentally changing the game for integrated North American-based producers like Dow," he said. Separately, Dow expects soon to agree to an offtake deal for its planned Texas ethane cracker. ICIS News (U.K.) (1/31), ICIS News (U.K.)/(subscription required) (1/31)

Materials producers report mixed 2012 results
Plastics-related sales and profit in 2012 were mixed for DuPont, Celanese and Dow Chemical. "Our segments delivered innovation, productivity and integration cost synergies. This, coupled with a record year in new product introductions, has strengthened our market position," DuPont Chairman and CEO Ellen Kullman said. PlasticsNews.com (1/31)

Research & Innovation

BASF begins building automotive-coatings unit in Shanghai
The joint venture between BASF's Chinese unit and Shanghai Coatings has started building a facility to produce automotive coatings at Shanghai Chemical Industry Park. "This investment helps demonstrate BASF's commitment to addressing these needs and supporting the dynamic growth of China's automotive industry as the number one supplier from the chemical industry," said BASF Asia Pacific President Albert Heuser. Automotive Business Review (1/30), Chemical Week (subscription required) (1/30)

Leadership & Management

Strategic success can lead to stagnation
Companies shouldn't aim for a single "perfect strategy" but instead develop and sustain the ability to create strategies that respond to the constantly changing business environment, write former Procter & Gamble chief A.G. Lafley and Toronto B-school dean Roger Martin. "There simply is no one perfect strategy that will last for all time," they argue. "That's why building up strategic thinking capability ... is so vital." The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model)/Financial Times (U.K.) (1/30)

Innovation lessons from a Reebok sneaker
One of Reebok's top-selling basketball shoes uses cushioning technology first developed for use in intravenous fluid bags. That's a sign, experts say, of the value of applying "peripheral" knowledge from unconnected fields to solve tough problems. "The central idea of peripheral knowledge really resonates," says Martine Haas of Wharton. Knowledge@Wharton (1/30)

ACC News

DOE online tool can help improve building and safety performance
The U.S. Department of Energy recently unveiled an online tool, the Building America Solutions Center, which provides information and services on building science and building efficiency. Buildings today account for one-third of all U.S. energy consumption, so the tool is designed to help promote energy reduction and improve the overall performance and safety of buildings. From case studies and images to guidelines for projects around the home, the site offers a variety of helpful tips and research for homeowners and building professionals. Read more from ACC on the DOE's interactive tool.

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