INEOS Oxide to expand Ethylidene Norbornene (ENB) capacity

INEOS Oxide, has recently confirmed that it is planning to expand its Ethylidene Norbornene (ENB) capacity. As part of its growth strategy INEOS Oxide plans to build a new world scale ENB plant in South East Asia, with site selection studies and feedstock supply discussions now underway. It is expected that the plant will be on stream in 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.

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"We are pleased to make this announcement today, which 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, but we are focusing on start up no later than 2015."

ENB is used predominantly as the diene monomer in the production of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM); an extremely wear and weather resistant high performance rubber which is increasingly favoured for use in the automotive, white goods and construction industries. Because of its unique molecular structure, ENB is also used in the high value fragrance and flavours industry as a scent carrier.

INEOS Oxide is a leading producer of Ethylene Oxide and Ethylene Oxide Derivatives, Propylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide Derivatives, plus a range of solvents and specialty chemicals, with production facilities in Antwerp Belgium, Köln Germany, Lavéra France, Plaquemine Louisiana, Freeport Texas and Hull United Kingdom.

More information: www.ineos.com

INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, Grangemouth, Scotland