International. AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals and Evonik Industries have successfully started production in their new joint venture to produce chlorine and potassium hydroxide at the company's Ibbenbüren headquarters in Germany.
The facility uses state-of-the-art membrane electrolysis technology to produce up to 120,000 metric tons of potassium hydroxide and 75,000 metric tons of chlorine per year, as well as hydrogen.
The plant will strengthen the respective leadership positions of both companies. AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals will receive chlorine and hydrogen, while Evonik will market the facility's potassium hydroxide and convert part of the production at its Lülsdorf site into other products, including potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium formate.
"The Ibbenbüren facility sets a new benchmark in the chlor-alkali industry," said Werner Fuhrmann, CEO of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, at the opening ceremony. "In addition to ensuring our customers' long-term supply, our sustainability profile and operational efficiency will also improve further."
The site's new production process will improve the ecological footprint of each ton of chlorine produced at Ibbenbüren by 25 to 30%. This will result in lower energy use, lower costs and lower CO2 emissions.
Commenting on the commissioning of the plant, Dr. Harald Schwager, Member and Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik, said: "Throughout the project, we have shown that two experienced partners can bring their extensive experience and intelligently shape their needs. business environment together. We complement each other very well and look forward to continued collaboration that benefits our customers and ultimately the potassium hydroxide market."
