Solvay plans to build additional capacity for hydroquinone (HQ) in China to go on stream in 2018. The investment is being made by its aroma performance global business unit which will also expand capacity worldwide for methyl hydroquinone (MEHQ) – also known as paramethoxyphenol (PMP). The company said both projects would support its captive needs as well as the growth of HQ and MEGQ markets, particularly in Asia.

Solvay did not disclose capacity details or investment costs. President of the aroma performance business, Dominique Rage, said the expansions would strengthen Solvay’s leading position in growing markets such as monomer inhibition, specialty polymers and coatings applications as well as food and feed antioxidants, while also allowing for new growth opportunities.