Chemical Industry Weekly News Round-Up, July 20

PPG is planning to merge its commodity chemicals business with Georgia Gulf, in a deal worth $2.1 billion. The deal involves $900 million in cash to be paid to PPG, and $1 billion in Georgia Gulf shares to be received by PPG shareholders. PPG shareholders will own 50.5% of the merged company, which will be managed by Georgia Gulf's leadership team.

Early second-quarter earnings were mixed, and analysts expect earnings season to show slowing growth. Most analysts have cut estimates.

Olin has acquired KA Steel, a caustic soda distributor and bleach maker, for $328 million.

The U.S. FDA has banned bisephenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups, a move that ACC has supported. Most baby bottles sold in the US no longer contain BPA, however.

Around the Web:

Rolling Stone takes a look at the "terrifying math" behind climate change.

An increasing number of studies find that the rich lack empathy, in New York magazine.

A study sponsored by ACC and the University of Texas at Austin finds that non-recycled plastics can provide energy, in Plastics Today.