- Emerald Kalama acquired the Widnes, UK operation from Innospec Widnes Ltd last July.
- Full commercial samples are expected by the end of 2016, with full operations in 2017.
- Emerald announced a $40 million investment to increase capacity for benzaldehyde and benzoic acid at its Rotterdam facility.
- HCA and ACA are used in fine fragrances, personal care, household care, and food and beverage applications.
Expansion Project
Emerald Kalama Chemical has approved an expansion project at its Widnes, UK facility to increase capacity for Kalama® Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde (HCA) and Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde (ACA). These are key ingredients in the company's flavor and fragrance product line.
Acquisition and Capabilities
This expansion follows Emerald's acquisition of the Widnes operation from Innospec Widnes Ltd last July, which significantly enhanced the company's capabilities and product portfolio. Emerald has been producing HCA and ACA at its Kalama, Washington facility for many years.
Market Demand
Due to the high demand for these high purity materials in applications such as fine fragrance, personal care, household care, and food and beverage, Emerald plans to leverage the new UK operation to meet this demand. The company has completed the trial testing phase and expects full commercial samples to be available by the end of 2016, with full operations anticipated in 2017.
Previous Investments
Emerald is a leading global supplier of HCA and ACA, as well as benzaldehyde and other high purity aroma chemicals. The company has previously completed three major expansion projects at its Kalama, Washington facility, more than doubling its capacity. Additionally, Emerald announced a $40 million investment to increase capacity for benzaldehyde and benzoic acid at its Rotterdam, Netherlands facility last year.
Product Applications
HCA is used to create a jasmine-like floral character with green, fatty notes in products such as fine fragrances, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, antiperspirants/deodorants, and household care products. ACA, a close relative of HCA, produces a less fatty jasmine-like character and can also produce a cocoa-like aroma. Both are easily blendable and commonly used as fragrance fixatives.
