Country for PR: United States
Contributor: PR Newswire New York
Tuesday, August 02 2022 - 08:31
AsiaNet
Indorama Ventures and Capchem evaluate proposed carbonate solvents plant to supply North American lithium-ion battery market
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical 
company, has entered into a non-binding agreement with Capchem Technology USA 
Inc. (Capchem USA) to study the opportunity to build and operate a world-class 
lithium-ion battery solvents plant at one of IVL's petrochemical facilities in 
the U.S. Gulf Coast. The proposed plant will supply the lithium-ion batteries 
industry in North America, which is boosted by significant growth in the 
development of electric vehicles (EV).

The proposed facility will produce ethylene carbonate and its chemical 
derivatives, which are essential components of the electrolytes solutions used 
in lithium-ion batteries. IVL's Integrated Oxides and Derivatives (IOD) segment 
and Capchem USA, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd., will 
study the proposal to develop and operate the plant. Capchem is a global 
leading company in lithium-ion battery chemicals. It would significantly 
benefit the North American lithium-ion battery market, which currently depends 
on imports from Asia amid potential for accelerated growth in the EV industry. 

Entering the lithium-ion battery market as a competitive new player reinforces 
IOD's transition towards downstream specialty products, increasing IVL's 
opportunities in attractive end-market applications. Under its Vision 2030 
ambition, IVL is building on its global integrated petrochemicals model through 
investing in adjacent businesses that offer High Value Add (HVA) products which 
contribute to a more sustainable world.

The study will assess the opportunity to build a plant using Capchem's 
established technology to produce ultra-pure ethylene carbonate, di-methyl 
carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, di-ethyl carbonate and derivatized 
electrolyte solutions. The study also includes an option to build a second 
module to meet expected growing market demand.

The key raw materials for the proposed new plant, namely purified ethylene 
oxide and carbon dioxide, will be supplied from IVL's integrated supply network 
as part the company's strategy to enhance end-market exposure, technologies, 
and downstream portfolio breadth. The sequestered carbon dioxide used in the 
process has a positive sustainability impact.

Alastair Port, Executive President, Integrated Oxides and Derivatives (IOD), 
IVL, said, "IVL is constantly looking for ways to enhance our sustainability 
programs towards our vision of creating a more sustainable world. This mutual 
study with Capchem USA not only helps us to achieve that, but also supports the 
adoption of zero-emission electric mobility. Given our proven operational 
excellence, highly skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and access to 
captive raw materials, we believe we are well-placed to successfully implement 
the technology, which will help to reduce North American EV manufacturers' 
reliance on imports."

About Indorama Ventures

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker 
IVL.TB), is one of the world's leading petrochemicals producers, with a global 
manufacturing footprint across Europe, Africa, Americas, and Asia-Pacific. The 
company's portfolio comprises Combined PET, Integrated Oxides and Derivatives, 
and Fibers. Indorama Ventures products serve major FMCG and automotive sectors, 
i.e., beverages, hygiene, personal care, tire and safety segments. Indorama 
Ventures has approx. 26,000 employees worldwide and consolidated revenue of 
US$14.6 billion in 2021. The Company is listed in the Dow Jones Emerging 
Markets and World Sustainability Indices (DJSI). Indorama Ventures is 
headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand with more than 140 manufacturing sites in 35 
countries.

Media Contacts

Stuart Kelly                                 Patricia Sakamiti
Global Head - Corporate Communications,      IVL  Americas Head - Corporate 
                                             communications, IVL
Tel: +662.661.6661 ext. 508                  Tel: +55 11 99266.5233
stuart.k@indorama.net                        patricia.sakamiti@oxiteno.com
 
SOURCE: Indorama Ventures
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