ALTANA acquire Dick Peters from Clariant - wax emulsions and some paper chemicals

ALTANA has signed an agreement to acquire Clariant's Dutch wax additive manufacturer, Dick Peters BV,  from Clariant.  Dick Peters is a remnant of Clariant's acquisition of Hoechst in 1997 and specialises in wax-based formulations, although it does have a portfolio of paper chemicals, some of which are toll manufactured.  Their turnover is around EUR 24 mio.

Dick Peters will be integrated into BYK Cera BV which is part of the BYK Additives & Instruments Division of the ALTANA Group.

The sale of Dick Peters is part of Clariant's continued drive to cut costs and reduce its asset base in Europe.

Sasol surprised by EU cartel fine

Sasol has issued a statement in response to the EU's fine of EUR 318,200,000 imposed on Sasol Wax GmbH and Sasol Limited as a result of the formation of a cartel in the paraffin wax industry and the violation of anti-trust laws.  As a reult of Sasol's co-operation with the EU Commission, the fine was reduced by 50%.

Sasol is surprised by the magintude of the fine and will lodge an appeal.

Paraffin waxes are used in paper coatings, barrier coatings, and other paper chemical formulations and have been under increasing scrutiny because of issues related to the recycling of paper and board containing waxes.

Ciba announce recyclable alternative to traditional wax for corrugated boxes

With waxes (difficult to recycle) and fluorochemicals (PBT issues with PFOA and PFOS) rightly receiving bad press, there is pressure on paper and board companies to find new approaches to developing barrier properties.

In the news this last week was an announcement by Ciba Specialty Chemicals of wax replacement products for corrugated boxes. Ciba has signed an exclusive agreement with Spectra-Kote Corporation of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA for the global marketing of Spectra-Kote’s line of wax-alternative materials (marketed as WAM products) which allow corrugated box makers to produce wax-free boxes that are both functional and environmentally friendly. WAM products waterproof solid boxboard, and unlike traditional waxed corrugated boxes, can be recycled, and are therefore attractive to fruit/vegetable growers and retailers.

WAM technology uses a combination of paper additives and specific papermaking processes.