Ineos breaks ground on world-scale cumene plant in Germany

Ineos has renewed its commitment to the European plastics industry with the construction of a world-scale cumene production plant at the Evonik Chemiepark in Marl, Germany.
 
To be operated by Ineos Phenol, the 75-kilotonne-per-annum (ktpa) plant is scheduled for completion in 2021 and will support future demand, improving the security of supply for Ineos operations in Gladbeck, Germany and Antwerp, Belgium.
 
The “verbund” fully integrated unit will access existing pipeline connections between Ineos' Phenol & Acetone production site in Gladbeck, the Evonik Chemiepark in Marl, and the BP refinery and cracker complex in Gelsenkirchen.
 
“Its location will help optimize the efficiency of the plant by integrating raw materials from the refinery and cracker complex. The site also benefits from the Marl harbor waterway connection,” Ineos said in a statement.
 
Ineos Phenol claims to be the world largest producer of phenol and acetone and the largest consumer of cumene as its raw material.
 
“Ineos Phenol has been a strong contributor to the Ineos Group for nearly 20 years. The investment here… will help underpin the continued success of this business for many more years to come,” said Andy Currie, director of Ineos Capital at the ground breaking ceremony. 
 
Cumene is a key raw material for the production of phenol and acetone, which have widespread use as raw materials in the manufacture of polycarbonate.
 
“We are very pleased to be making this important feedstock investment in our European business. It shows a clear commitment by Ineos to its business, customers and suppliers,” said Hans Casier, CEO of Ineos Phenol said.