UK-based Green Biologics Ltd., a technology developer and emerging bio-based C4 chemicals producer focused on renewable n-butanol, has closed a £15.4 million (approximately $25 million) Series B round led by Sofinnova Partners with strategic participation by Swire Pacific Limited.

Carbon black manufacturer Cabot Corp., Boston, has agreed to pay a $975,000 civil penalty and spend an estimated $84 million on technology to control air pollution, resolving alleged violations of the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at its three facilities in the towns of Franklin and Ville Platte, LA, and Pampa, TX.

Gelest Inc., Morrisville, PA, has named Gautavik International, Mumbai, India, as the exclusive Indian distributor for the complete line of Gelest silane, metal organic and silicone products.

Following a review of its European carbon black operations, Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH will stop production at its Sines, Portugal, facility by the end of 2013.

AkzoNobel has joined the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative, a move that will help drive improvements throughout the company’s global supply chain.

Specialty chemicals distribution company Fitz Chem, Itasca, IL, now represents Cristal's titanium dioxide (TiO₂) products in the central region of the United States.

DEKRA has opened its first test laboratory for process safety services in Shanghai, China.

Michelman has launched a Chinese-language website at www.michelman.com.cn.

BASF has produced its first commercial volumes of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from renewable raw material, and is offering this product to customers for testing and commercial use.

Nano Labs Corp. has developed a next-generation nano-coating specifically designed as an anti-insect paint that repels insects and other arthropods, hinders their feeding and reproduction, and reduces their presence and proliferation.