Propylene oxide is the main component in the production of polyurethane foams. Polyurethane foams are widely used in fast-growing applications. As a result, global demand for PO is increasing and the demand for hydrogen peroxide for PO production is increasing.
As a technology leader with a rich portfolio of hydrogen peroxide products, Solvay is working with its PO customers to build new plants where needed and to add new capacity. The new HPPO is located in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The plant will help further develop its peroxide business in the Middle East. The HPPO large plant in Jubail belongs to SHPCo, a joint venture between Solvay and Sadara.
From 2008 to 2016, the Solvay Peroxide Division doubled its production capacity and built three high productivity based in Antwerp (Belgium), Map Ta Phut (Thailand) and Jubail (Saudi Arabia). Technical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) large-scale plant. Major PO producers such as BASF and Dow Chemical rely on Solvay's expertise to produce high quality hydrogen peroxide because it is the two key raw materials in the PO production process. One: is an oxidant that converts propylene to propylene oxide. Using H2O2 as an oxidant, rather than other options, significantly reduces by-products from the PO production process.
PO demand growth
Propylene oxide is the raw material for many downstream products, such as polyols and glycols, as well as polyurethane (PU) at the end of the production chain. Polyurethane foams have excellent insulation properties, and many industries have adopted more energy-efficient technologies, resulting in increased demand.
Polyurethane applications are suitable for a wide range of industries, and applications in all industries are increasing, especially for housing, automotive, furniture and mattress insulation. Demand for insulation materials in the housing market, European energy efficiency regulations are driving the use of polyurethane in the construction industry Foam. Lightweight car seats in the automotive market are also a huge driver of growth. Over time, the density of polyurethanes has been reduced by 30% to 40% while maintaining the same mechanical properties. For example, used in cars. In plastics, the density of seat foam is the lowest. Household items 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, open up new H2O2 market in the Middle East
Elisabetta Renni, export manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, explained: '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 peroxidation. Application, win potential customers. '
In Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, Solvay Peroxide has good growth prospects and business opportunities. Therefore, a new sales team has been established to strengthen the business capabilities of the Middle East team. Georges Crauser, President of Oxide Global Business Unit, stressed: 'As a global leader in the field of hydrogen peroxide, through this large plant, we are strengthening our market presence in the region, closer to our customers, fulfilling our growth commitments . '