Full-scale Production Starts at Purified Isophthalic Acid Plant

摘要

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical's subsidiary A.G. International Chemical has begun commercial operation of a 100,000-t/y facility for the production of purified isophthalic acid at MGC's Matsuyama plant. AGIC managed to minimize its investment by acquiring and remodeling MGC's previously mothballed facility. The expansion has brought MGC's total output capacity of the product to 230,000 t/y, together with, 130,000 t/y at its Mizushima plant, further securing MGC's leading position in the purified isophthalic acid market. Demand for purified isophthalic acid is growing at an annual rate of 7-8% for use as modifier to make polyethylene terephthalate bottles and as raw material for the manufacture of several types of paints and unsaturated polyester resins.