INEOS Phenol Inaugurates Massive Cumene Facility, Cutting CO2 Output in Half

INEOS Phenol has officially commenced production at its state-of-the-art Cumene facility in Marl, Germany, which stands as the largest of its kind in Europe. This world-scale facility has a substantial annual output capacity of 750,000 tonnes and is characterized by its remarkable achievement of up to a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne of product. This substantial reduction in emissions is made possible through the integration of pioneering cumene technology and innovative heat utilization at the Marl Chemical Park.

The facility's strategic positioning takes full advantage of existing pipeline links, effortlessly connecting INEOS's phenol and acetone production locations in Gladbeck with the Evonik Chempark in Marl, as well as the BP refinery and cracker complex in Gelsenkirchen. Furthermore, the proximity to the Marl harbor waterway connection adds logistical advantages to the overall operational efficiency. An additional environmental boon is the utilization of most of the waste heat generated by the plant for a district heating circle, further contributing to the significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the site.

Cumene, a crucial raw material in the production of phenol and acetone, plays a pivotal role in various applications, ranging from pharmaceuticals such as aspirin to medical products like throat lozenges and sprays. Derivatives of phenol and acetone find applications in the manufacturing of contact lenses, artificial joints, dentures, dental fillings, and various other industrial and consumer products. INEOS, as the world's largest producer of phenol and acetone, is also the leading consumer of cumene, making this facility a key asset in its production portfolio.

Collaborating with CAC Engineering GmbH, the project was managed under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management (EPCM) model. CAC's scope of work encompassed Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) verification, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and pre-commissioning of the plant. Hans-Juergen Bister, Operations Director for INEOS Phenol, expressed satisfaction at the successful launch, emphasizing the facility's role in fortifying the company's European Phenol position in terms of feedstock supply while simultaneously contributing to a reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the business.

Bister stated, "We are delighted that INEOS Phenol’s world-scale facility is up and running. The unit bolsters our standing in the European Phenol market by ensuring a reliable supply of feed-stock. Concurrently, it aids in diminishing the business's carbon emissions." This sentiment aligns with the broader commitment to sustainability, acknowledging the importance of investing substantially in minimizing the environmental impact associated with essential material production.

Mike Niederstadt, Managing Director of CAC, also underscored the significance of this landmark project. He emphasized that beyond being CAC's most extensive engineering assignment, it serves as a flagship project for the company, symbolizing an exceptional collaborative partnership with INEOS Phenol. Niederstadt stated, " This initiative not only marks a record in our corporate history as the most substantial engineering project we've ever undertaken and serves as an excellent reference, but it also exemplifies the exceptional collaborative relationship we have with INEOS Phenol."

The joint efforts of INEOS Phenol and CAC Engineering GmbH in bringing this facility to fruition not only mark a technological milestone but also underscore the commitment of both entities to environmental stewardship and the production of essential materials with a reduced environmental impact. As industries worldwide continue to prioritize sustainability, this project stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in the realm of chemical production and emissions reduction.