Current Affairs
October 27, 2020
The Hand Sanitizer Gold Rush is Over
US isopropyl alcohol prices slide to 7-month low amid stagnant demand
Houston — US isopropyl alcohol prices touched a seven-month low on Oct. 27, with S&P Global Platts assessing it $60/mt lower on the week at $1,100/mt FOB USG.
On a delivered basis, prices fell $95/mt to $1,125/mt. Platts last assessed IPA prices lower on March 17, at $920/mt FOB USG and $980/mt DER.
Current prices are a stark contrast from earlier in the year when prices hit a multi-year high on the back of consumer-driven demand for hand sanitizing products. US isopropyl alcohol was assessed at its highest level on record — since 1982 — on April 14, 2020, when it hit $3,860/mt FOB USG and $3,920/mt DER, according to Platts data.
Since then, domestic demand for isopropyl alcohol has sharply declined, with prices approaching pre-pandemic levels. Market sources indicated that an abundance of supply and stagnant demand are pressuring prices, with no expectation for demand to reach peak-pandemic levels even in the face of a second wave of infections.
In contrast, industrial ethanol prices held steady at a six-year high on Oct. 27, with Platts assessing prices at 450 cents/gal for 190-proof DSP and 475 cents/gal for 200-proof.
Prices have held at this multi-year high since Sept. 8, with 190-proof and 200-proof industrial ethanol pricing around 157 cents/gal higher than the five-year average of 294 cents/gal and 318 cents/gal, respectively.
Market sources said that demand for industrial ethanol is strong and only growing as consumer need for economically viable sanitizing products increases. Although industrial ethanol has hit the spotlight this year as a base for sanitizing products, it is used in many industries to make cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and cleaners.
“Some states actually have a problem in that they need the industrial ethanol for other purposes and they can’t get enough,” a market source said.
Demand for industrial ethanol remains strong despite lags seen in isopropyl alcohol because industrial ethanol-based hand sanitizers cost less to make, said the source.
“Demand for high-quality grades is still strong and we expect it to remain this way through Thanksgiving,” a second source said.
October 21, 2020
Spray Foam Meeting Postponed Until 2022
SPFA: The Sprayfoam Show Convention & Expo 2021 rescheduled
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) announced the postponement of The Sprayfoam Show Convention & Expo 2021. Originally scheduled for February 2021, the alliance has moved the annual event to 28 February – 3 March 2022 in San Antonio, TX, USA.
The largest annual convention and trade show in the USA dedicated to spray polyurethane foam (SPF), The Sprayfoam Show brings together industry participants in insulation, roofing, speciality applications, and related equipment for educational sessions, a robust exhibits hall, the SPFA Professional Certification Program, an annual Golf Tournament, VIP events, and an entertainment-filled Close-Out Event Party.
“The Sprayfoam Show is the largest event of its kind in the U.S. and the industry’s contractors, manufacturers and stakeholders really look forward to attending each year,” said Bryan Heldreth, president of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance. “Unfortunately, with so much uncertainty still surrounding COVID-19, we felt it was best to prioritize the health of our members and industry colleagues and postpone an event of this size until 2022.”
Attendees of The Sprayfoam Show 2022 will explore the latest developments in SPF including solutions for maximising energy efficiency and achieving Zero Net Energy in residential and commercial building projects. The latest in insulation, roofing and speciality products and applications will be highlighted. Attendees will learn about the opportunities and challenges affecting their business and the industry at-large. The event will also showcase installation best practices and provide meaningful networking opportunities with industry leaders, customers and peers.
The Sprayfoam Show 2022 will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The SPFA will provide hotel and registration information in 2021. Event speakers and sessions, as well as the full agenda, will also be provided closer to the event.
“We understand that there may be some disappointment surrounding the date change for this event, however the safety of our attendees must take precedence,” said Rick Duncan, executive director of the SPFA. “We are currently looking at options for hosting a few smaller regional events in 2021 that will keep attendee numbers at a safer and more manageable level, while giving our members the ability to meet and learn from one another. Keep watch for announcements about these smaller events in the coming months.”
October 21, 2020
Spray Foam Meeting Postponed Until 2022
SPFA: The Sprayfoam Show Convention & Expo 2021 rescheduled
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) announced the postponement of The Sprayfoam Show Convention & Expo 2021. Originally scheduled for February 2021, the alliance has moved the annual event to 28 February – 3 March 2022 in San Antonio, TX, USA.
The largest annual convention and trade show in the USA dedicated to spray polyurethane foam (SPF), The Sprayfoam Show brings together industry participants in insulation, roofing, speciality applications, and related equipment for educational sessions, a robust exhibits hall, the SPFA Professional Certification Program, an annual Golf Tournament, VIP events, and an entertainment-filled Close-Out Event Party.
“The Sprayfoam Show is the largest event of its kind in the U.S. and the industry’s contractors, manufacturers and stakeholders really look forward to attending each year,” said Bryan Heldreth, president of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance. “Unfortunately, with so much uncertainty still surrounding COVID-19, we felt it was best to prioritize the health of our members and industry colleagues and postpone an event of this size until 2022.”
Attendees of The Sprayfoam Show 2022 will explore the latest developments in SPF including solutions for maximising energy efficiency and achieving Zero Net Energy in residential and commercial building projects. The latest in insulation, roofing and speciality products and applications will be highlighted. Attendees will learn about the opportunities and challenges affecting their business and the industry at-large. The event will also showcase installation best practices and provide meaningful networking opportunities with industry leaders, customers and peers.
The Sprayfoam Show 2022 will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The SPFA will provide hotel and registration information in 2021. Event speakers and sessions, as well as the full agenda, will also be provided closer to the event.
“We understand that there may be some disappointment surrounding the date change for this event, however the safety of our attendees must take precedence,” said Rick Duncan, executive director of the SPFA. “We are currently looking at options for hosting a few smaller regional events in 2021 that will keep attendee numbers at a safer and more manageable level, while giving our members the ability to meet and learn from one another. Keep watch for announcements about these smaller events in the coming months.”
October 20, 2020
Auto Sales Rebound
October 20, 2020
Auto Sales Rebound
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