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German chemicals giant BASF is taking steps to improve the competitiveness of its Performance Products segment. The segment's businesses serve diverse end-uses and include plastic additives, pigments, paper chemicals, ingredients for personal care, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as chemicals used in oil and gas production and mining. The company says that the measures currently being pursued will lead to a reduction of about 500 positions worldwide by the end of 2015. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Germany's Merck KGaA has introduced Iriodin® 506 Sunset Orange as the latest addition to its broad portfolio of effect pigments. Described by the company as a ‘unique, intensive orange’ with a strong body colour and good coverage, the new pigment is suitable for use with plastics, paper and ceramics. According to Merck, orange shades are currently in vogue for applications including packaging, consumer electronics, household appliances, sports equipment, furniture and decorative items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speciality chemicals group Lanxess is responding to the strong rise in worldwide demand for iron oxide pigments by launching an investment programme. This year it plans to invest about €20 million in expanding capacities at its three production sites for these products – in Germany (Krefeld-Uerdingen), China (Jinshan) and Brazil (Porto Feliz). The company currently has global synthesis capacities of more than 350 000 tonnes/year for the production of Bayferrox products, which are used as colorants for concrete, roof tiles, plastics, coatings and paper, as well as special applications such as toners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]