Organic biocides discovered
Spain. A new generation of biocides produced from shells and residues of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs was developed by the research group in Carbohydrate Chemistry and Food Biotechnology of the University of Murcia, Spain, in conjunction with the University of Goias, Brazil.The principal investigator of this scientific group in Spain, Pedro Antonio García, told Europa Press that there is currently a problem of disposal of certain waste, for example the coatings of prawns (edible crustaceans similar to shrimp but smaller in size) that are not recyclable and represent "a serious problem of environmental pollution".
The researchers took advantage of the antibacterial capacity and zero toxicity that these residues have to prevent the growth of microorganisms in varnishes and coatings of operating rooms, as well as to inhibit the development of bacteria in different foods.
Mexico. The multinational chemical products DuPont announced the appointment of José Antonio Chouza as the new Director of DuPont Titanium Technologies (DTT) for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Mexico. Latin American Coating Show (LACS), the main fair of raw material suppliers and equipment manufacturers for the paints and coatings industry, returns this year to the World Trade Center in Mexico City.
Guatemala. The Solid Group, manufacturer of Corona and Palette paints, announced that it plans to develop an expansion strategy in new markets during this year, and for this it will strengthen its presence in some Caribbean countries and open new niches in South America.
Latin America. Brenntag reported sales of close to 600 million euros (about $796 million) in the region in 2008, according to Hubertus Spethmann, vice president of corporate communications, though the group did not disclose a comparative figure or EBITDA.
