Page 158 - CW E-Magazine (1-4-2025)

News from Abroad

UNVIABLE OPERATIONS
Qemetica to cease soda ash production at one

of three facilities

Polish chemicals company, Qemetica,
said it has started the “hibernation
process” of its soda plant in Janikowo
(Poland) as it moves to completely stop
soda production at the plant by the end
of July 2025. The company said it will
continue supply from its two remaining
soda ash plants – one in Inowrocław
(Poland) and the other in Stassfurt
(Germany).

The company said the Janikowo
operations have become unfeasible
due to high energy costs resulting from
EU carbon emission allowance prices,
“which are undermining the competi-
tiveness of the industry.”

The company also referred to the thousands of jobs and critical regional will be ready to restart. However, we
lack of protection against “unfair com- infrastructure. need swift and concrete action from
petition” from outside the EU indicating policymakers,” he added.
that “Turkish soda, produced using We cannot wait any longer – market
Russian coal and gas, has displaced conditions and cost realities have forced Hibernation means that the Jani-
European manufacturers, already this decision,” remarked Mr. Kamil kowo site will remain viable for future
capturing 30% of the Polish market.” Majczak, CEO of Qemetica Group. use, with the plant’s infrastructure re-
maining Qemetica’s property. Should
Moreover, environmental regula- “Without the necessary regulatory future opportunities arise to restart
tions that restrict European businesses, changes, resuming production in Jani- production or repurpose the site for
does not impact Turkey and the US. kowo will not be economically viable. other industrial activities, the company
If conditions improve in the future, we said it will be prepared to invest.
The EU soda industry is further
impacted by the construction sector BASF raises aminic antioxidants
slowdown.
capacity in Mexico
The company said around 350 jobs
would be impacted. BASF is investing in its manu- number of vehicles on the road. “We
facturing site in Puebla, Mexico, to are dedicated to understanding and
“We have tried everything. For increase the capacity of aminic anti- addressing the evolving needs of
months, we have engaged in discus- oxidants for lubricants. our customers, both regionally and
sions with our government and EU globally, by enhancing the reliability
institutions, calling for countervailing The company said the expan- of our production and delivery pro-
duties on Turkish soda produced from sion addresses the growing demand cesses,” said Mr. Marius Vaarkamp,
Russian raw materials and protection for antioxidant additives, driven by Business Director Components North
against the skyrocketing energy costs. increasing stability requirements America, Fuel & Lubricant Solutions,
We have warned about the risks to in lubricating oils and the growing BASF.

158 Chemical Weekly April 1, 2025

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