Propylene oxide (PO) is the main component in the production of polyurethane foam, which is widely used in fast-growing applications. Therefore, the global demand for PO is increasing, and the demand for hydrogen peroxide for PO production is also increasing.
As a technology leader with a rich hydrogen peroxide product portfolio, Solvay is working with its PO customers to build new plants and increase new capacity where needed. The new large HPPO plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia will help further develop its peroxide business in the Middle East. The large HPPO plant in Jubail belongs to SHPCo, a joint venture between Solvay and Sadara.
From 2008 to 2016, Solvay's Peroxide Division doubled its production capacity, building three high-productivity-based buildings in Antwerp (Belgium), Map Ta Phut (Thailand), and Jubail (Saudi Arabia). Technical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) large plant. Major PO producers such as BASF and Dow Chemical rely on Solvay's expertise to produce high-quality hydrogen peroxide because it is one of the two key raw materials in the PO production process: it is the conversion of propylene to propylene oxide Oxidant. The use of H2O2 as an oxidant, rather than other options, significantly reduces the by-products produced by the PO production process.
PO demand growth
Propylene oxide is the raw material for many downstream products, such as polyols and glycols, and polyurethanes (PU) for the production chain termination. Polyurethane foam has excellent insulation properties, and many industries have adopted more energy-efficient technologies, leading to increased demand.
Polyurethane applications are suitable for a variety of industries, and applications in all industries are increasing, especially for housing, automotive, furniture and mattress insulation materials. The demand for insulation materials in the housing market and European energy efficiency regulations are driving the use of polyurethane foam in the construction industry. Lightweight car seats in the automotive market are also a huge driver of growth. Over time, the density of polyurethane decreased by 30% to 40%, while maintaining the same mechanical properties. For example, of the plastics used in cars, the density of seat foam is the lowest. Home furnishings such as mattresses and sofas are also important applications for PU foam. Polyurethane foam meets the needs of the emerging middle class in Asia and Africa.
At the same time explore new H2O2 markets in the Middle East
Elisabetta Renni, Export Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa, explains: "In Saudi Arabia, product availability is an important lever for Solvay to further develop hydrogen peroxide sales in the country and the region. The next goal is to fully develop peroxide Applications and win potential customers. "
In the Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, Solvay peroxide has good growth prospects and business opportunities. As a result, a new sales team has been established to strengthen the business capabilities of the Middle East team. Georges Crauser, President of Solvay's Peroxide Global Business Unit, emphasized, "As a global leader in the field of hydrogen peroxide, through this large plant, we are strengthening our presence in the region and closer to our customers, fulfill Our commitment to growth. "