On the 6th December, INEOS Oxide, confirmed that it is planning to expand its Ethylidene Norbornene (ENB) capacity. As part of its growth strategy it plans to build a new world-scale plant in South East Asia. Site selection studies and feedstock supply discussions are now underway with a view to the plant starting no later than 2015.
“We believe ongoing global growth and potential new build demand from ENB customers, particularly in EPDM, will require new ENB capacity and we believe South East Asia is the right location for us to access these growing markets”, said Hans Casier, CEO INEOS Oxide.
“We are pleased to make this announcement that will enable INEOS to continue to support customers as their business grows. Timing of the unit depends on finalisation of feedstock supply agreements, permits and a full engineering design study.”
ENB is used predominantly in the production of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM); an extremely wear and weather resistant high performance rubber which is increasingly being used in cars, white goods and the construction industry. It is also used in the high-value fragrance and flavours industry as a scent carrier.