Glycerin to Epiclorohydrin: Epicerol Enters the Asian Market

Solvay announced that its Thai affiliate Vinythai has successfully commissioned its world-class bio-sourced Epichlorohydrin plant based on Solvay’s innovative Epicerol® technology in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. The Epicerol® technology is based on the transformation of glycerin obtained as by-product from refining vegetable oils into biofuel. This technology is protected by 1000 patent titles, some of them already granted in different parts of the world.

Epichlorohydrin is an essential feedstock for the production of epoxy resins, increasingly used in applications such as corrosion protection coatings as well in the electronics, automotive or aerospace industry. Growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region can now by met by this bio-sourced plant with a production capacity of 100,000 metric tons per year. The world-class Epicerol® plant, which required a EUR 120 million investment, is providing its customers the possibility to improve the ecological footprint of their products.

“An environmental sustainable technology based on a renewable resource as raw material is now available in the fast growing Asia-Pacific Region. This world-class plant starts serving its customers, creating a win-win situation for Vinythai’s customers and shareholders”, commented Vincent de Cuyper, Group general Manager of the Chemicals Sector and member of the Executive Committee of Solvay. “With these dynamic market conditions in the whole region, Solvay is pleased to pursue its epichlorohydrin project in Taixing, China, for which it recently received the Environmental Impact Assessment approvals,” he added.

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