- Production capacity to increase by 75,000 metric tons annually, reaching 310,000 tons.
- Start-up is scheduled for 2015.
- Basic engineering for the expansion is largely finished.
- 1-butene is used mainly as a co-monomer in high-quality polymers like polyethylene.
Production Expansion
Evonik Industries plans to increase the production capacity for 1-butene at its Marl site by 75,000 metric tons per year, with start-up scheduled for 2015. This expansion will bring the total capacity to 310,000 metric tons, making Evonik the world's top producer of 1-butene. Basic engineering for the expansion is largely finished, but the overall project still needs approval from relevant committees.
Market Demand
According to Dr. Rainer Fretzen, head of Evonik's Performance Intermediates Business Line, the capacity expansion aims to support the growth plans of customers in Europe and overseas. Worldwide demand for 1-butene is increasing by about five percent each year.
Applications
1-butene is primarily used as a co-monomer in the production of high-quality polymers, such as polyethylene. It enhances polyethylene with beneficial properties like improved tear strength for packaging films.
Logistics and Supply
Evonik has extensive logistics expertise and a robust service network for shipping liquefied gases like 1-butene, ensuring safe and efficient supply to customers in Europe and overseas.
Product Portfolio
The company is a leading producer of C4-based products, including butadiene, MTBE, isobutene, 1-butene, INA (isononanol), 2-PH (2-propylheptanol), and DINP (diisononyl phthalate). Evonik operates world-scale plants for 1-butene at its sites in Marl, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium.
