In what it regards as a “potential game-changer for the industry”, AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business has developed a novel technology for producing ethylene amines and derivates from ethylene oxide. According to the Dutch group, the new process significantly reduces raw material consumption and also offers a substantially improved cost and sustainability profile when compared to existing processes.

AkzoNobel added that the technology’s flexibility allows the selective production of a wide range of end products, enabling the company to expand its amines portfolio. The range of ethylene amines targeted includes, but is not limited to, diethylenetriamine (DETA) and triethylenetetramine (TETA), which are key intermediates in a number of growing applications such as epoxy curing, oil and road additives, and paper.

The company will start building a demonstration plant in 2018 to showcase the platform and validate products with customers. A location for the plant has not been disclosed, but the company has existing amines production in Stenungsund, Sweden, and Ningbo, China.

“Launching this technology strengthens our product portfolio and will further improve the company’s position as one of the leaders in the ethylene amines industry. Establishing this unique position is of strategic importance to our business,” said Egbert Henstra, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Ethylene and Sulfur Derivatives business.

AkzoNobel said it has made “substantial efforts” to protect the technology via a “comprehensive” patent portfolio.

Other major ethylene amines producers include BASF, Huntsman, Dow DuPont (formerly as Dow Chemical) and Tosoh.