Other news
AFYREN secures over 60 million euros of financing to move into its industrial development phase
In order to offer industrial firms a reliable alternative to using acids based on oil derivatives, AFYREN has confirmed the production of bio-based organic acids on a pre-industrial scale for use with multiple applications. Today, AFYREN is launching its industrial development phase after securing total financing of 60 million euros, including a 21 million euro capital increase.
Nouryon reduces carbon dioxide emissions with additional bio-steam supply
Nouryon will increase the use of bio-steam at its salt production at Hengelo, in the Netherlands, making the production more sustainable and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Braskem and Haldor Topsoe start up demo unit for developing renewable MEG
The mechanical completion of the innovative first process step of the demonstration plant is the first milestone to be achieved by Braskem and Haldor Topsoe’s partnership to validate the MOSAIK™ sugar-to-biochemicals solution for production of cost-competitive bio-based MEG (monoethylene glycol). Currently, MEG is made from fossil-based feedstocks, such as naphtha, gas or coal. The demonstration plant is expected to produce more than 100 tons per year of glycolaldehyde, the precursor for MEG, when it begins operation on March 1, 2019. MEG is a key component of PET plastic used for food packaging, especially bottles, and polyester fabrics. The global MEG market represents a value of 25 billion dollars.
First production of isobutene from wheat straw at demo scale
New phase for the H2020 Optisochem project after 18 months of activity. Sugars from wheat straw produced at Clariant’s Sunliquid® pre-commercial plant have been shipped to Global Bioenergies’ Leuna demo plant. Successful test runs for production of straw-based isobutene, batches delivered to INEOS for evaluation
INOVYN to expand General Purpose PVC production at Jemeppe Site, Belgium
INOVYN has today announced its intention to increase production of general purpose PVC at its Jemeppe Site, Belgium.
The new investment, which will deliver a further 200ktes of capacity at the Site, is to meet growth in demand across the building and construction, electronics, packaging, food protection, water and energy sectors. The first phase of the expansion programme is to be operational in 2020.
This is in addition to an ongoing investment to increase specialty PVC production at Jemeppe, which forms part of INOVYN’s previously announced pan-European growth strategy.
These major investments will be complemented by an associated step increase in VCM capacity at the Site.
Comments Chris Tane, CEO INOVYN: “As one of the most competitive manufacturing units in Europe, these investments will reinforce Jemeppe as a world-class facility.
“The investment strategy for our PVC businesses, in which Jemeppe will play a vital role, will help to accelerate INOVYN’s global growth whilst reinforcing our leading market positions in Europe. Our focus is to drive innovation to create new markets for PVC, and in doing so deliver global competitive advantage for our customers across all industry sectors.”
The announcement was made during a visit to Jemeppe Site by Minister-President of Wallonia Willy Borsus.
Commented Minister-President Borsus: “INOVYN’s ambitious plans are very welcome news and a further demonstration of the Company’s long-term commitment to innovation. I was very impressed to see the Company’s state-of-the-art RT&E Centre at the Site, which underpins the Company’s European growth programme.”
Concludes Chris: “By the end of the decade, INOVYN will have invested in the region of €1 billion across its European assets through a range of safety, sustainability and innovation-led projects including its complete transition from mercury to membrane cellroom production.”
