Evonik paves the way for construction of the first MMA production plant

Evonik starts planning the large-scale plant with a capacity of 120,000 metric tons of methyl methacrylate (MMA) - Start-up planned for the middle of 2015

28-Sep-2012 - USA

Evonik Industries is starting basic planning for a new methyl methacrylate (MMA) production plant using the AVENEER® process at its Mobile site in Alabama, USA.

The capital expenditure involved will be in the three-digit million € range. The large-scale plant, with a production capacity of 120,000 metric tons, is expected to come onstream in the middle of 2015 and will create up to 100 jobs in Mobile. The overall project is awaiting the approval of the relevant bodies.

Methacrylate monomers and their derivatives are the starting materials for innovative products for resource-efficient solutions, as for example in lightweight construction in the automotive industry.

“With AVENEER® technology and our decision in favor of Mobile we’re systematically expanding our global methacrylates platform and consolidating our leading market position further,” says Dr. Dahai Yu, member of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries
with responsibility for the Specialty Materials Segment. The AVENEER® process developed by Evonik is distinguished by an improved carbon footprint and is thus particularly eco-friendly.

Process CO2 emissions are lower than 1,000 kg CO2 per metric ton of MMA, or a little over half of the current value. Mobile, USA, was chosen as the site for the first MMA plant to use the new AVENEER® process. “As Evonik’s largest North American site, Mobile offers the advantages of a strong infrastructure and optimal availability of all raw materials and power,” says Gregor Hetzke, head of Evonik’s Performance Polymers Business Unit.

The location of the site on the Gulf of Mexico also allows delivery by sea to customers all over the world.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/139950/evonik-paves-the-way-for-construction-of-the-first-mma-production-plant.html