Solvay recently began producing specialty surfactants at its new alkoxylation plant in Singapore, which it said is the largest of its kind in Asia.
The Belgian chemical company inaugurated the SGD $50 million plant on Jurong Island earlier this month, along with a similar facility in the Netherlands. The Singapore plant will supplement Solvays existing alkoxylation plants in India and China to meet growing demand for surfactants in the Asia Pacific region, the company noted in a recent press release.
The unit makes specialty alkoxylates formulations for surfactants used in numerous applications including emulsifiers, detergents and wetting agents in lubricants.
Solvay receives ethylene oxide for the plant through a dedicated pipeline – along with other raw materials such as fatty oleochemicals – from neighboring countries.
Solvay also expanded its oil and gas laboratory at its research and innovation center in Singapore this month. The plant bolsters Solvays competitive position in the region, ensuring the development of alkoxylate solutions for customers who will be supported by strong technical teams from the R&I center located near the plant, Solvay said in the statement. …Especially for those in key Southeast Asia countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.