Emery Oleochemicals pre-commissions activities of world's first renewable and recyclable polyol plant

Emery Oleochemicals, a world leader in natural-based chemicals announced that construction activities of its new technologically advanced bio-polyol plant located in Cincinnati, Ohio has reached mechanical completion. The plant will further strengthen Emery Oleochemicals' ability to provide wide range of Eco-Friendly Polyoyls products and customer service. With the initiation of pre-commissioning activities and site operational verification, start up of the first phase of the US$50 mln investment marks a key milestone in the expansion project designed to boost capacity and technical capabilities in the manufacturing of performance bio-based polyols for the automotive, furniture and bedding and major appliances industries. Announced in 2012, the project will reach initial production goals by the end of the year specifically in the area of renewable-based polyols, using Emery Oleochemicals' proprietary ozonolysis technology. "Once the commercial operation of the first phase begins, the bio-polyol plant will demonstrate unique capabilities of renewable-based polyols that can deliver on both performance and cost," said Jay Taylor, Senior Vice President, Chief Manufacturing Officer and Regional Managing Director, North America. The second phase adjoins in this same manufacturing complex and is in its final building stage with civil and structural installation at various process units nearing completion. This state-of-the-art site is dedicated to the production of recyclable polyols, bringing to life Emery Oleochemicals' "closed-loop" processing value proposition and marks the successful integration of award-winning INFIGREEN® technology acquired in 2012. When full facility commissioning completes in Q2 2015, the Cinccinati site will additionally produce solutions for Emery Oleochemicals' Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants and Green Polymer Additives businesses, therefore providing natural-based solutions in market segments such as agriculture, lubricants, oilfield, packaging, toys and other high-growth industries. The company's Eco-Friendly Polyols business unit aims to demonstrate opportunities for the automotive industry to meet performance and sustainability goals through a specially designed Concept Car called "CASP" (Concepts for Advanced Sustainability in Polyurethanes). Featuring automotive components and materials made from both renewable and recycled polyurethane foam, CASP is a distinctive first for a chemicals manufacturing company.