Natural-based chemicals producer Emery Oleochemicals (Shah Alam / Malaysia; www.emeryoleo.com) has opened a bio-polyols facility in the USA. The USD 50m plant in Cincinnati, Ohio, will manufacture bio-based and recycled content polyols. Capacity was not disclosed.

Emery claims the plant is the world’s first industrial-scale facility to use scrap foam as feedstock to make a new range of sustainable polyols. The company said the polyols create a wide-ranging portfolio suited for high-growth industries, including automotive, furniture, major appliances, construction and coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers (CASE). The plant will also manufacture renewable-based products for bio-lubricants, green polymers and bio-pesticides applications. Emery first set up its Eco-Friendly Polyols (EP) business unit in 2013 (see Plasteurope.com of 27.09.2013).

“This is a strategically important investment for Emery Oleochemicals, allowing us to play a leading role in the commercial production of bio-based chemicals in the USA,” said Jay Taylor, senior vice president, chief manufacturing officer and regional managing director in the USA. “Accelerating our capabilities in producing sustainable solutions, this new plant reinforces our commitment to providing innovative solutions that help our customers meet changing market needs and increasing demands, mainly in flexible and rigid foams as well as coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers applications.”

The company is also expanding its Technical Development Centre, which will serve as its global innovation hub for the bio-polyols, bio-lubricants and bio-pesticides industries. It is expected to open at the end of this year.

Douglas da Silva Rosa, chief technology officer, commented: “Our continued investments in research and innovation will expand our business in the area of natural-based chemicals, allowing us to build a portfolio of differentiated products in the marketplace and drive new growth opportunities. Creative solutions, such as the recycled content polyols, will be the cornerstone to the success of our innovation pipeline.”

Emery Chemicals, which celebrated its 175th anniversary on 18 September this year, has around 1,000 employees and posted revenues of USD 1 bn in 2014. The Malaysian group also produces natural-based additives at a plant in Germany (see Plasteurope.com of 22.08.2012).