Press Releases

AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals and INEOS Nitriles have signed a long-term co-operation agreement that will allow AkzoNobel to expand its production of biodegradable chelates, used in detergents and other industries, utilizing one of INEOS Nitriles’ chemical products. The move will significantly strengthen AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals’ leadership position in the chelates business, supporting customer growth as well as improving both companies sustainability profile.

AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals will invest in production facilities at INEOS’s site at Cologne, Germany. INEOS Nitriles is the world’s largest producer of acrylonitrile a key chemical building block used ultimately in the automotive, home appliance, garment, carbon fiber and water purification industries. With this partnership, AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals will be able to expand its chelates production in Europe. Construction of the new facilities at Cologne will start later this year and completion is due in 2020, INEOS will operate these new plants.

“This long-term co-operation is a strategic step to secure a solid asset base for high-quality chelates in Europe and will allow us to support growing demand from our customers,” said  Peter Kuijpers, General Manager – Chelates and Micronutrients at AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals. Demand for high-quality chelates has been increasing strongly in the last couple of years and in particular following the European ban on phosphates in consumer automatic dishwasher detergents due to environmental concerns.

“The sustainability profile of the chelates business will improve by making use of a raw material with a lower carbon footprint, by switching heat and electricity to more environmentally friendly energy sources or renewable electricity, and by decreasing the transport distance of our products,” Kuijpers says.

Gordon Adams, Business Director of INEOS Nitriles commented: “Today’s announcement builds on our existing supply relationship with AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals at our Lima, US facility. It continues the strategy of attracting petrochemical integration opportunities to the Cologne site and, importantly, our chemicals will be used to enable a significant industry sustainability improvement, which we are especially proud of.”

Werner Fuhrmann, CEO of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals added: “This announcement reflects three key aspects of our strategy – investing to grow with our customers, working closely in partnerships and improving our sustainability profile. It’s the latest in a series of projects we have announced to strengthen our leadership position in key markets and deliver sustainable solutions.”

Paul Overment, CEO of INEOS Nitriles noted: “We have a strong existing supply relationship with AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals which we are looking forward to developing even further in the future.”

ENDS

Press information:

Richard Longden (INEOS) +41 21 627 7063

Andrew McLachlan (Media Zoo) +44 20 7384 6980 or  +44 7931 377162

Joseph Wade (Media Zoo) +44 20 7384 6980 or +44 7758 074576
Andrew Wood  (AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals)  +31 88 969 7833              

Note to editors:

About INEOS
INEOS is one of the largest chemicals companies and the 200th largest businesses in the world. It employs around 19,300 people across 181 sites in 22 countries with sales in 2017 of $60bn and EBITDA close to $7bn. Our products make a significant contribution to saving life, improving health and enhancing standards of living for people around the world. We are highly focused on Safety health and the environment, earnings growth and meeting customer needs.

About AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals

Industries worldwide rely on our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products such as paper, plastics, building materials, and personal care items. Building on the dedication of our employees and our shared commitment to safety, sustainability, and open innovation, we have established a world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox, and Berol.

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.

 

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