Perstorp says it plans to increase production of carboxylic acids to approximately 70,000 tons per year by 2024.

According to the company, the investment will enable Perstorp to increase output significantly to meet growing demand in high-value applications, including non-phthalate plasticizers for PVC, engineered fluids for applications such as refrigeration lubricants, various propionates used in food preservation and carboxylic acids for use in animal feed and preservation products.

Perstorp says most of the output will be used in downstream production operated by Perstorp itself.
Perstorp will build a new plant on the site of its existing carboxylic acid production operation in Stenungsund, Sweden. Like the original unit, it will be capable of producing acids from C3 to C9 chemistry, which the company says will strengthen its portfolio.

Both plants will be fully integrated into Perstorp’s Oxo production platform.

“The expansion fits with our strategy for growth and an increased emphasis on specialty products and will reinforce our pioneering position in sustainable solutions for our key focus segments,” says Betty Lu, vice president for Oxo chemicals at Perstorp.