AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals has started design work for a second expansion of chloromethanes capacity at its site in Frankfurt, Germany. The project will take place in several steps over the next five years and will raise total capacity by up to 50%, supporting growth of customers that use chloromethanes in the manufacture of products such as pharmaceuticals.
The company recently completed an initial chloromethanes expansion which increased capacity for the chloromethanes methylene chloride, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. The new expansion phase will begin with an increase in capacity for methyl chloride, to be completed in 2020. Further investments are also planned to improve supply reliability and to expand chlorine production, the key raw material for chloromethanes.
Commenting on the plans, Knut Schwalenberg, Executive Committee Member responsible for Industrial Chemicals, said, “Our continued investments in both chlorine and chloromethanes production will increase reliability of supplies across the entire value chain to support the growth plans of our customers, while increasing energy efficiency thanks to the use of the latest technology.”
Chloromethanes are used as intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, refrigerants, silicone polymers, and fluoropolymers, and are important raw materials for the construction and automotive industries, water treatment, cookware, and electronics. AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals has a leading position in the European chloromethanes market.
“We see strong growth in demand for chloromethanes and derived products from customers in emerging markets, such as India, for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and construction materials,” said Werner Fuhrmann, now former CEO of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals. “We are well positioned to capture part of this growth by investing in additional capacity in Frankfurt. In addition, the improved energy efficiency will provide significant sustainability benefits for our company.”
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Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of approximately 8,200 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.