Bayer MaterialScience declares force majeure for TDI in EMEA region

08-Jul-09

Bayer MaterialScience has declared force majeure for the polyurethane raw material toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) region, as a result of a forced reduction of TDI production at its Brunsbüttel site (Germany). The production capacity of the plant was substantially reduced after the company´s chlorine electrolysis plant at the Brunsbüttel site was damaged during a massive voltage drop caused by a rapid reactor shutdown at the Krümmel nuclear power plant close to Hamburg on July 4, 2009. A restricted supply of chlorine has resulted in a severely reduced capacity utilization of the TDI facility in Brunsbüttel. The company said it is not clear as to when the TDI production plant will become fully operational again. The raw material is used in the production of flexible polyurethane foam for upholstered furniture, mattresses, and car seats.