January 12th News - Venator's titanium dioxide plant in Scarlino has been acquired by Nuova Solmine; titanium dioxide operations are suspended pending restart. London (ICIS) – According to a company letter to customers seen by ICIS, Venator's titanium dioxide (TiO2) plant in Scarlino, Italy, has been acquired by Nuova Solmine, a sulfuric acid producer located at the plant site. The long-idled TiO2 plant is set to restart in January, with products expected to go on sale starting next month. Chempricehub analysis of titanium dioxide: Bull-Bear Score: -2. Venator's titanium dioxide plant in Scarlino, Italy, has been acquired by sulfuric acid producer Nuova Solmine and is scheduled to restart production in January, with products expected to be available for sale from next month. This event will significantly increase market supply, putting downward pressure on spot prices of titanium dioxide. The restart of the plant after a prolonged shutdown implies an expansion in supply, which could trigger downward price pressure under the current supply-demand balance, thus constituting a significant bearish impact on the titanium dioxide market.