KBR and Sumitomo Chemical Enter Technology Licensing Alliance for Sustainable Propylene Oxide Production

KBR (NYSE: KBR) and Sumitomo Chemical have entered an alliance agreement, designating KBR as the exclusive licensing partner for Sumitomo Chemical's advanced propylene oxide by cumene (POC) technology. Propylene oxide is a key intermediate used primarily in the production of polyurethanes, essential in various sectors including construction, industrial, and automotive for products like foams, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

Sumitomo Chemical has developed a distinctive, eco-friendly method for producing propylene oxide, boasting a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to alternative processes. This technology minimizes wastewater production, incorporates an efficient energy recovery system, and guarantees high yields of propylene oxide, ensuring smooth and safe plant operations.

Through this collaboration, Sumitomo Chemical's cutting-edge technology will be disseminated to a worldwide clientele, leveraging KBR's expansive marketing network and engineering expertise. Furthermore, this technology synergizes well with KBR's established phenol technology, further enhancing its offerings in the market.

Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions, highlighted, "This partnership combines KBR's extensive experience in licensing environmentally responsible chemical processes globally, alongside Sumitomo Chemical's exceptional proficiency in propylene oxide production, backed by decades of safe and dependable plant operations worldwide. Sumitomo Chemical’s POC technology not only offers a co-product-free method for propylene oxide production but also notably decreases carbon emissions through recent enhancements in energy efficiency features. This resonates with KBR's dedication to delivering sustainable solutions to its clientele."

Seiji Takeuchi, Senior Managing Executive Officer for the Essential Chemicals & Plastics Sector at Sumitomo Chemical, expressed, "Sumitomo Chemical is delighted to collaborate with KBR in offering this outstanding and eco-friendly technology to clients globally, empowering them to advance their sustainability objectives while optimizing the value of their propylene derivatives. KBR's extensive licensing and engineering proficiency positions Sumitomo Chemical with a premier partner to extend its pioneering technology to a broader market."

KBR provides comprehensive science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and businesses worldwide. With a workforce of about 35,000 individuals globally, KBR serves clients in over 80 countries, operating in more than 30 nations. Collaborating closely with customers across the globe, KBR delivers technology, value-added services, and enduring operations and maintenance support, ensuring consistent and predictable outcomes.

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Japan, is a diversified chemicals conglomerate operating across various sectors, including Essential Chemicals Plastics, Energy Functional Materials, IT-related Chemicals, Health Crop Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, and others.

As part of its commitment to advancing the transition to carbon circularity and a net-zero economy, Sumitomo Chemical licenses a range of innovative technologies. These encompass carbon recycling and greenhouse gas emission reduction technologies, contributing to environmental sustainability and addressing climate change challenges