Page 155 - CW E-Magazine (28-1-2025)

News from Abroad

necessary for continued production. rations more competitive via various Specifically, the companies will
Going forward, the company intends to rationalisation measures, including the jointly consider approaches for main-
maintain stable product supply by cre- March 2024 closure of the 120,000-ton taining product supply during regular
ating a highly capital-efficient, reliably capacity bisphenol A plant at its major maintenance or facility issues,
profitable phenol chain centred around Kyushu Plant (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka) as well as for the efficient operation of
the 200,000-ton capacity phenol plant at its own decision. both companies’ tanks and reduction of
at its Osaka Works (Takaishi, Osaka). GHG emissions through the rationali-
Under these circumstances, Mitsui sation of logistics.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Chemical Chemicals and Mitsubishi Chemical
operates a phenol plant with a 280,000- have reached a mutual understanding “This joint study will proceed
ton capacity at its Ibaraki Plant about the importance of reaching across while, where necessary, obtaining ap-
(Kamisu, Ibaraki), and offers deriva- company lines to implement various proval from competition regulators and
tives such as bisphenol A. The company measures for improving the stable other such related bodies,” the compa-
is currently striving to make its ope- supply of phenol-related products. nies added.

COLLABORATION
Solvay and Hankook partner on circular silica for making

greener tyres

Belgium’s Solvay and South
Korean tyre firm, Hankook, have
signed a Memorandum of Under-
standing (MoU) to collaborate on the
development of circular silica coming
from biosourced and waste sourcing
for tyre production.

Solvay’s silica portfolio is recog-
nised to ensure low rolling resist-
ance, which contributes to lower fuel
consumption for thermal engines
and extended battery range for elec-
tric vehicles, but also provides high
wear resistance, leading to longer tyre
life.

In addition, highly dispersible
silica (HDS) is instrumental to reach By collaborating with Solvay, we can thrilled to collaborate with Hankook
the circular ambition of tyre manufac- advance the development of sustaina- on circular silica solutions to address
turers. In the continuity of the Livorno ble materials that enhance tyre perfor- key industry challenges while offering
(Italy) rice husk ash (RHA) produc- mance while contributing to a circular superior performance and environ-
tion, Solvay is continuously engaged economy and a greener future,” said mental benefits.”
in a substantial circular conversion Mr. Bonhee Ku, President & CTO of
in all regions with tyre industry Hankook Tire. The companies will now jointly
leaders. advance the technical development of
Ms. An Nuyttens, President of circular silica, with the goal of mass
“This partnership marks a signifi- Solvay’s Silica & Special Chem production in the near future. Solvay
cant milestone in our journey towards business added, “Silica is essential products, currently at pilot phase, are
more sustainable tyre manufacturing. for high-performance tyres. We are under evaluation.

Chemical Weekly January 28, 2025 155

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