• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Formulary
    • Exclusives
    • Top Companies
    • Raw Materials
    • End-User
    • Packaging
    • Directories
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Formulary
  • Exclusives
  • Top Companies
  • Raw Materials
  • End-User
  • Packaging
  • Directories
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    CBD Brands Must Focus On Health Solutions

    A Post-Pandemic Pause in Home Cleaner Sales

    Hair Color Market on Vibrant Streak Inching Out of Covid-19 Pandemic

    Wellness Industry Thrives with Vitamin-Infused Beverages & Beauty-Boosting Supplements

    Skin Care Soars into 2022 with New Products for Facial Care & Body Skin Health
    Online Exclusives
    Association News
    Breaking News
    Financial News
    Industry News
    International
    Marketing News
    New Products
    News Front
    Packaging News
    Patents
    Personnel
    Regulations
    Snapshots
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Dr. Squatch Launches Black Hole Bar Soap in Light of Recently-Revealed Black Hole in Milky Way

    Nautica Introduces Nautica Oceans Pacific Coast Collection

    Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection

    Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate

    Menopause Brand Womaness Enters Ulta Beauty
    Blog
    Online Exclusives
    Glossary
    Infographics
    Podcasts
    Whitepapers
    Videos
    Expert's Opinion
    HappiTV
    eBook
    Surveys
    International Top 30 Report
    Top 50 Report
    Top Companies
    L Brands

    11. LG Household & Healthcare

    14. Kosé

    19. Elizabeth Arden

    12. New Diversey
    Actives
    Functional Ingredients
    Pigments
    Polymers
    Preservatives
    Surfactants

    Proposed Senate FDA Legislation Includes Cosmetics Reform

    China Beauty Sales Slow; Blueland Enters Personal Care Category; Lady Gaga’s Cosmetics Relaunch

    Jennifer Lopez Inks Deal with HydraFacial

    Luxury Website, Moda Operandi, Enters Beauty Category

    Global Trend Tracker Celebrates the Return of Her 'What's Next' Innovation Intel Treks
    Air Care/Environmental Fragrance
    AP/Deo
    Color Cosmetics
    Disinfectants
    Fine Fragrance
    Hair Care
    Household Cleaning
    I&I Marketplace
    Laundry Care
    Oral Care
    OTC/Medicated
    Packaging
    Personal Cleansers
    Skin Care
    Sun Care
    Testing

    Dr. Squatch Launches Black Hole Bar Soap in Light of Recently-Revealed Black Hole in Milky Way

    Nautica Introduces Nautica Oceans Pacific Coast Collection

    SpaceNK CEO Noah Rosenblatt Talks Post-Pandemic Beauty Shopping Patterns

    Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection

    Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
    Lab Equipment
    Mixing
    Packaging
    Testing

    Aerosol Recycling Initiative Launched by HCPA

    Goodnest Delivers New Options for Sustainable Baby Care Needs

    Colgate-Palmolive Releases 2021 Sustainability & Social Impact Report

    Sustainable Personal Care Brand sk*p Enters Ulta Beauty Stores

    LVMH Creates Cosmetic Packages with Carbon-Negative PET
    Contract Manufacturing / Private Label Directory
    Buyer's Guide
    Add New Company
    Corporate Profiles
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    KLK Oleo

    cosmopak usa

    Centerchem LLC

    LipoTrue Inc.

    Jeen International
    Live From Shows
    Meetings
    Webinars
    Snapshots
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Formulary
    • Directories
      • Buyer's Guide
      • Contract Manufacturing / Private Label Directory
      • Corporate Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Raw Materials
      • Actives
      • Functional Ingredients
      • Pigments
      • Polymers
      • Preservatives
      • Surfactants
    • End-User
      • Air Care/Environmental Fragrance
      • AP/Deo
      • Color Cosmetics
      • Disinfectants
      • Fine Fragrance
      • Hair Care
      • Household Cleaning
      • I&I Marketplace
      • Laundry Care
      • Oral Care
      • OTC/Medicated
      • Packaging
      • Personal Cleansers
      • Skin Care
      • Sun Care
      • Testing
    • Packaging
      • Lab Equipment
      • Mixing
      • Packaging
      • Testing
    • Top Companies
      • International Top 30 Report
      • Top 50 Report
    • Online Exclusives
    • Glossary
    • Experts Opinion
    • Slideshows
    • HappiTV
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Surveys
      • R & D Salary Survey
      • Sales & Marketing Salary Survey
    • Job Banks
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from show Events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    The Great Unknown

    No disruptions yet for the household and personal care industry, but the general chemical industry is suffering.

    The Great Unknown
    Related CONTENT
    • SOCMA Urges EPA to Uphold Revisions Made to Risk Management Plan Rulemaking
    • Univar Announces New Global Sustainability Goals For 2025 and Beyond
    • Diamond Chemical Company Appoints Regional Sales Manager
    • Diamond Chemical Appoints Technical Service Representative
    • HCPA Welcomes Michelle López Kopa
    Tom Branna, Editorial Director09.01.17
    Fifty-three inches of rain. That’s right, 53 inches and in less than four days! Harvey was the biggest rain event in the history of the lower 48 states, according to meteorologists. Harvey topped Tropical Storm Amelia, which dumped 48 inches on the contiguous states in 1978. With Houston nearly in its bullseye, Harvey hit at the heart of the US chemical industry—one estimate is that Harvey disrupted 33% of US chemical production.
     

    Flooding knocked out more than 20% of US refining capacity, according to S&P Global Platts. That means less oil can be turned into gasoline and jet fuel, which will cause headaches at the pump in the coming days and weeks. Vertical Research estimates that Harvey will impact 46% of US ethylene capacity and 36% of polyethylene capacity. According to the American Chemistry Council, with $129 billion in shipments, Texas is the largest chemical producing state and Louisiana (with $51 billion in shipments) is the fourth largest chemical producing state. Within those states, the areas directly affected by Harvey account for $155 billion in shipments (around one-fifth of total chemical industry shipments in the US).


    “Hurricane Harvey is a record breaking storm with unprecedented impacts on the people and property along U.S. Gulf Coast due to extreme flooding. According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the storm is responsible for the worst flooding in United States history," said Cal Dooley, president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. "The chemical industry is deeply integrated into the economies and communities of Texas and Louisiana, particularly in the areas that have been hardest hit by the storm. Our first priority is supporting industry employees and their families and helping to ensure their safety and that of the areas surrounding our plants. The industry employs almost 79,000 Texans and more than 25,000 Louisianans, many of them living in areas that are experiencing devastating flooding. It’s likely that thousands of them will have significant damage to, or even the complete loss of their homes, cars, and basic possessions, as have countless families in the region."


    According to Dooley, ACC member companies have comprehensive and well-rehearsed emergency plans that are activated in close coordination with local, state, and national authorities; other businesses; and distribution networks in the path of storms. He noted that compliance with Responsible Care, the industry’s global environment, health, safety and security program that includes third party audits and certification, is mandatory for all ACC members.


    “Chemical facilities are designed and built with major storms in mind," added Dooley. "Specific construction elements can include reinforced manufacturing equipment that helps improve the overall structural integrity of a facility in accordance with industrial building standards for hurricanes. Dikes and levees are incorporated to reduce the risk of chemical releases."


    Yesterday, a series of explosions took place at Arkema Inc.'s facility in Crosby, TX, 25 miles northeast of Houston. The plant manufactures organic peroxides, chemical compounds used in manufacturing pharmaceucial and construction materials, which can ignite when not stored at a low temperature. Plant crews worked on restoring the power and containing the chemicals, but on Wednesday, the site, as well as a 1.5-mile radius around it, was evacuated in fear of an imminent explosion.


    Arkema said it is working closely with public officials to manage the implications of this situation, and have communicated with the public the potential for product to explode and cause an intense fire. Arkema noted that organic peroxides are extremely flammable and, as agreed with public officials, the best course of action is to let the fire burn itself out.

     
    Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Council, told CNBC that specialty chemicals are most impacted by Harvey.
     

    “Everything from plastics to the coatings on your plastics, all the resin products,” he explained. ”You can’t get the people back and forth to work, it’s a human factor. People are flooded. It’s a matter of getting employees to work.”

     
    Mitchell noted that in today’s just-in-time manufacturing environment, even once suppliers get back online, manufacturing companies will be left waiting.
     

    To remedy the situation in the future, he urged officials to build a coastal spine to protect Houston. He noted that such a system was built in The Netherlands, where 80% of GDP is derived from regions that are below sea level. Closer to home, Mitchell said that following Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans spent $15 billion to build a dyke around Lake Ponchartrain.

     
    “We can build a coastal spine for $11 billion,” he insisted. “I am concerned about protecting this region. We will be shut down for weeks, but it could have been months if Harvey had been a direct hit.”

     
    And yet, for manufacturers of household and personal products, the impact of Harvey on operations may not match the size of the storm itself. According to sources, there has been no catastrophic news about Harvey-impacting our industry.


    Yesterday, Lonza issued a statement that is assessing the changing situation in Houston, TX (USA) following Hurricane Harvey. “Most importantly, all of our employees are safe; and after our initial assessment, it appears our facilities have not suffered any noticeable damage,” according to Lonza. “Key personnel are currently able to travel to all sites to assess the situation and maintain essential facility operations. We expect the site to be fully operational again in the coming days.


    Also in a statement, BASF said it is assessing the impact of Tropical Storm Harvey and is taking the necessary steps to help affected employees and local communities, and safeguard its operations. As a precautionary measure, the Houston office in Energy Tower IV and smaller sites in Texas (including Beaumont, Bishop and Pasadena) have been shut down. But operations at our larger Texas sites in Port Arthur and Freeport continue. BASF’s Geismar, Louisiana, site is currently not impacted.

     
    BASF is assessing impacts to site infrastructure and local transportation issues that might affect receipt of raw materials and distribution of finished products. Given the severe flooding, inbound and outbound logistics are expected to be challenging for our sites in Texas. BASF is directly informing its customers about the availability of products.

     
    “With respect to impact on operations, it is too soon to tell. Due to local transportation issues and the challenges to inbound and outbound logistics, BASF has declared Force Majeure on a number of products,” explained a company spokesperson. “The company is communicating directly with customers regarding product availabilities.”

     
    While the industry assesses the damage caused by Harvey, several chemical suppliers are releasing reports about storm-related damage.
     
     
    ExxonMobil acknowledged Tuesday that Hurricane Harvey damaged two of its refineries, causing the release of hazardous pollutants. In a filing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ExxonMobil said that a floating roof covering a tank at the company’s Baytown oil refinery sank in heavy rains, dipping below the surface of oil or other material stored there and causing unusually high emissions, especially of volatile organic compounds, a category of regulated chemicals.
     

    "This is an unprecedented storm, and we have taken every effort to minimize emissions and safely shut down equipment," said Exxon spokeswoman Charlotte Huffaker.
     

    Meanwhile, Shell told state regulators this week that a floating roof over a tank at its oil refinery in Deer Park, TX, partially sank during the heavy rainfall. The company said 100 pounds of benzene and 100 pounds of toluene were released.
     

    Early Wednesday, Motiva started closing its Port Arthur refinery "in response to increasing local flood conditions." The plant, the largest US oil refinery, won't open until flood waters recede, according to company executives.
     

    In other Harvey-related news, The Dow Chemical Company and The Dow Chemical Company Foundation announced this week the allocation of $1 million to support immediate relief and long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts associated with the storm and its aftermath as well as support for the Company’s impacted employees.
     

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire region, including our employees and the communities that we call home as the wrath of Hurricane Harvey is endured,” said Andrew Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our primary concern right now is the safety of our employees and communities, and we’re working closely with our Dow families and local partners to help.”
    As a part of this commitment, Dow is collaborating with national and local partners providing critical services to individuals immediately effected by the flood. To help meet this immediate need, Dow will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, $100,000 to Team Rubicon, and $200,000 to other local nonprofit organizations assisting the region.
    Dow is also matching employee and retiree donations up to $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  Texas is home to about 12,000 Dow employees and contractors.
     
     
    Related Searches
    • oil
    • texas
    • personal
    • safety
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Actives
    • Polymers
    • Pigments
    Suggested For You
    SOCMA Urges EPA to Uphold Revisions Made to Risk Management Plan Rulemaking SOCMA Urges EPA to Uphold Revisions Made to Risk Management Plan Rulemaking
    Univar Announces New Global Sustainability Goals For 2025 and Beyond Univar Announces New Global Sustainability Goals For 2025 and Beyond
    Diamond Chemical Company Appoints Regional Sales Manager Diamond Chemical Company Appoints Regional Sales Manager
    Diamond Chemical Appoints Technical Service Representative Diamond Chemical Appoints Technical Service Representative
    HCPA Welcomes Michelle López Kopa HCPA Welcomes Michelle López Kopa
    ACI and CBC Launch Webpage About ‘Quats’ ACI and CBC Launch Webpage About ‘Quats’
    Trade Association Directory 2021 Trade Association Directory 2021
    Nouryon Expands Board of Directors Nouryon Expands Board of Directors
    Vantage Earns Gold Rating from EcoVadis Vantage Earns Gold Rating from EcoVadis
    Pilot Chemical Promotes Shoaib Arif Pilot Chemical Promotes Shoaib Arif
    MFG Names Graham VP-Operations MFG Names Graham VP-Operations
    Origins Delivers Recycled Tube Origins Delivers Recycled Tube
    Right Decisions Under Pressure Right Decisions Under Pressure
    Toward a Sustainable Future Toward a Sustainable Future
    Cosmetic Chemical Sales See Gains Cosmetic Chemical Sales See Gains

    Related Content

    • SOCMA Urges EPA to Uphold Revisions Made to Risk Management Plan Rulemaking

      SOCMA Urges EPA to Uphold Revisions Made to Risk Management Plan Rulemaking

      Specialty and batch chemical manufacturers have a significant stake in this regulatory issue.
      07.09.21

    • Color Cosmetics | Hair Care | Skin Care
      Univar Announces New Global Sustainability Goals For 2025 and Beyond

      Univar Announces New Global Sustainability Goals For 2025 and Beyond

      Company's 2020 report tallies progress made on many fronts.
      06.17.21

    • Household Cleaning
      Diamond Chemical Company Appoints Regional Sales Manager

      Diamond Chemical Company Appoints Regional Sales Manager

      Welcomes Mike Hanlon to the Diamond team.
      Melissa Meisel, Associate Editor 05.04.21


    • Diamond Chemical Appoints Technical Service Representative

      Diamond Chemical Appoints Technical Service Representative

      Alfred Ramirez has over 20 years of experience in the chemical industry.
      Charles Sternberg, Assistant Editor 04.13.21

    • Household Cleaning
      HCPA Welcomes Michelle López Kopa

      HCPA Welcomes Michelle López Kopa

      Kopa joins the company as director, state government relations & public policy for the East region.
      Melissa Meisel, Associate Editor 03.24.21

      Breaking News
      • Dr. Squatch Launches Black Hole Bar Soap in Light of Recently-Revealed Black Hole in Milky Way
      • Nautica Introduces Nautica Oceans Pacific Coast Collection
      • Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      • Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
      • Menopause Brand Womaness Enters Ulta Beauty
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • CBD Brands Must Focus On Health Solutions
      • Hair Color Market Remains Vibrant Post-Pandemic
      • New Skin Care Products for Facial Care & Body Skin Health
      • Vitamin-Infused Beverages & Beauty Supplements Lift Wellness
      • Laboratory Skin Care’s Hydroxysomes Dermal Delivery Platform
      • Formulating Skin Care Products with Pear Enzyme Technology
      • A Post-Pandemic Pause in Home Cleaner Sales

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      GNC Adds Products from The Honest Company, Hers, and Womaness
      NSF and SCNM’s School of Nutrition Collaborate on Master of Science Program
      Walgreen’s Brand Vitamins and Supplements First to Carry UL Verified Mark
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      PPG Launches HOMAX TEX>>PRO Texture System by PPG
      New Digital Solution from Interpon Helps Customers Bring Colors to Life
      What Are You Reading?
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Texas Medical Center Partners with Enterprise Ireland
      MMT Acquires Medical Production Technology Europe
      Avanos Recalls Cortrak*2 Over Potential Enteral Tube Misplacement
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Catalent Introduces UpTempo Virtuoso Platform
      Elicio Therapeutics Enters Clinical Supply Agreement with Regeneron
      Reaction Biology Expands Executive Leadership Team
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      A Look at Machine Gun Kelly's $30K Diamond Mani
      Doja Cat Rocks Glam Makeup & Nails at the Billboard Music Awards
      Maggie Q Launches Beauty Supplement
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Dr. Squatch Launches Black Hole Bar Soap in Light of Recently-Revealed Black Hole in Milky Way
      Nautica Introduces Nautica Oceans Pacific Coast Collection
      Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      INX to Highlight Color Perfection Program, INX University at GulfCan
      Kornit Hosts Kornit Fashion Week London 2022
      Zeller+Gmelin Launches UV-Curable and Water-Based Inkjet Inks
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Denise Pedulla Appointed as Chief Legal Officer at Conformis
      ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 14
      Steven Haddad Joins Extremity Medical as Chief Clinical Officer
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Google Cloud, Saule Technologies and Columbus Energy Begin Strategic Cooperation
      JDI Develops eLEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
      Toppan Develops Temperature Logger Label for Long-Distance Transportation

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login