INEOS Phenol starts production at world-scale Germany cumene plant

LONDON (ICIS)–INEOS Phenol has started production at its new world-scale cumene facility at Marl in Germany, the producer said on Monday.

The 750,000 tonne-year plant is the largest in Europe and has a 50% lower CO2 footprint enabled by new technology and heat integration at the Marl Chemical Park.

“Most of the waste heat from the plant is used for a district heating circle further reducing the carbon footprint of the site,” INEOS said in a statement.

Cumene is a raw material in the production of phenol and acetone, which are used in a wide variety of medical and other applications.

“We are delighted that INEOS Phenol’s world scale facility is up and running. The unit strengthens our European phenol position in terms of feedstock supply,” said INEOS Phenol operations director Hans-Juergen Bister.

INEOS initially announced plans to build the facility, which was constructed in association with CAC Engineering, in July 2019.

Thumbnail image: INEOS Phenol’s Marl facility. Source: INEOS