Dow says it plans to build an integrated methyl diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) distillation and prepolymers facility at its world-scale manufacturing site in Freeport, Texas. The investment reportedly supports increasing demand for downstream polyurethane systems products.
The new Freeport MDI facility will replace Dow’s current North America capacity in La Porte, Texas, and will reportedly be capable of supplying an additional 30% of product to Dow’s customers. In coordination with the start-up of the new MDI facility, expected in 2023, Dow will shut down its polyurethane assets at the La Porte site.
“The back integration at the Freeport site creates a cost competitive supply of key upstream polyurethane raw materials, ensures a reliable supply position to support our growth in downstream high-value polyurethane markets and delivers a more sustainable production process,” says Jane Palmieri, president of Dow’s Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure operating segment.
According to the company, the new facility in Freeport will reduce Dow’s carbon footprint and water usage by:
- eliminating the need for the generation of thermal power by utilizing existing thermal energy from the Freeport site,
- reducing water intake and wastewater discharge (through production efficiencies)
- and eliminating the need for transport of raw materials.
For more information, visit: www.dow.com
