Dow launches sustainable MDI distillation unit and pre-polymer plant

Dow Chemical Company announced on September 19, 2023, in US time, that it will start a new MDI distillation unit and pre-polymer plant in its global-scale production base in Freeport, Texas. This investment will optimize Dow's existing production infrastructure and enhance its leading position in attractive applications in the automotive, construction, consumer, and industrial markets.

According to Dow's plan, the new MDI facility will replace Dow's North American capacity in Beaumont, Texas, and provide an additional 30% product supply to Dow's customers. Simultaneously with the launch of the new MDI facility, Dow closed the polyurethane production equipment of the Beaumont facility.

Jane Palmieri, President of Dow's Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure division, said, "Our customers are looking for cost-competitive and reliable upstream polyurethane raw material supply to support their growth. The back-integration of the new MDI facility enhances operational flexibility and reliability, and provides a more sustainable production process, ensuring that we are in the best position to support customer demand and downstream growth."

According to Dow's information, the new facility in Freeport adopts sustainable production processes, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 6,000 cars from the road each year. At the same time, the facility reduces the amount of freshwater consumption and significantly decreases the proportion of wastewater emissions.