Emerald to add second reactor train in Rotterdam

Emerald Kalama Chemical, a business group of Emerald Performance Materials, has commissioned its second benzoic acid reactor train at its facility in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, adding 75,000t of capacity for the production of benzoic acid.

The added capacity will support growing demand for the company’s Kalama and Purox brands of benzoic acid and benzoate preservatives, as well as meet expanding internal consumption needs of downstream products, notably K-Flex non-phthalate plasticisers and coalescents manufactured at the site.

Benzoic acid is used to produce a range of products in markets, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, personal care and industrial uses, including adhesives, sealants, paint, coatings, vinyl and graphic arts.