European Chemical Industry News & Insights

AkzoNobel Invests EUR 140M to Upgrade Chlorine Production

At a glance
  • AkzoNobel is investing EUR 140 million to upgrade its chlorine production plant at Industriepark Höchst.
  • The new facility will use membrane electrolysis technology and increase capacity by 50%.
  • The upgrade will reduce the eco-footprint per ton of product by nearly 30%.
  • The new plant will start in Q4 2013, increasing annual chlorine production from 165 to 250 kilotons.

Investment and Technology Upgrade

AkzoNobel is investing EUR 140 million to upgrade its chlorine production plant at Industriepark Höchst. The upgrade involves converting the plant to advanced membrane electrolysis technology, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Increased Capacity and Reduced Eco-Footprint

The new facility will increase chlorine production capacity by 50%, from 165 to 250 kilotons annually. Additionally, the modernization will reduce the total eco-footprint per ton of product by nearly 30%.

Timeline and Market Impact

The upgraded plant is scheduled to come on stream in the fourth quarter of 2013. This investment will help AkzoNobel meet strong customer demand in the caustic lye and chloromethane markets.

Applications of Chlorine

Chlorine produced at the facility is used in various applications, including disinfecting drinking water and swimming pools, and in the production of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyurethanes, and epoxy resins, as well as in pharmaceuticals manufacturing.