- AkzoNobel will invest in production facilities at INEOS's Cologne site.
- Construction starts later this year and completes in 2020.
- INEOS Nitriles is the world's largest producer of acrylonitrile.
- The project aims to meet rising demand due to the European phosphate ban.
Investment and Expansion
AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals will invest in new production facilities at INEOS’s site in Cologne, Germany. This partnership will enable AkzoNobel to expand its chelates production in Europe. Construction of the new facilities will commence later this year, with completion expected in 2020. INEOS will operate these new plants.
Strategic Importance
Peter Kuijpers, General Manager Chelates and Micronutrients at AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, highlighted that this long-term cooperation is a strategic move to secure a solid asset base for high-quality chelates in Europe. The demand for high-quality chelates has been increasing, particularly following the European ban on phosphates in consumer automatic dishwasher detergents due to environmental concerns.
Sustainability Improvements
The sustainability profile of the chelates business will improve by using raw materials with a lower carbon footprint, switching to more environmentally friendly energy sources or renewable electricity, and decreasing the transport distance of products. This aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainability.
Existing Relationships
Gordon Adams, Business Director of INEOS Nitriles, noted that this announcement builds on the existing supply relationship with AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals at their Lima, US facility. The project continues the strategy of attracting petrochemical integration opportunities to the Cologne site, contributing to significant industry sustainability improvements.
