International. AkzoNobel and Evonik Industries have entered into negotiations to build a membrane electrolysis plant at AkzoNobel's facility in Ibbenbüren, Germany.
The aim of the negotiations is to establish a joint venture for the new construction and share the operation of an electrolysis facility for a solution of potassium hydroxide and chlorine. Negotiations by the two companies are expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
The law stipulates that the production of potassium hydroxide solutions with current mercury electrolysis technology must be phased out by 2018. The new membrane electrolysis will replace this procedure with an ecological and sustainable method.
"This investment will allow us to offer reliability to our customers with our potassium hydroxide solutions in the long term," explained Gregor Hetzke, Head of Business Unit of Advanced Intermediaries at Evonik. "At the same time, it would be an important contribution to the organic and sustainable production of potassium hydroxide solutions."
