Invista, one of the world’s largest producers of chemicals, polymers and fibres, has begun work to bring its latest adiponitrile (ADN) technology to China to satisfy the strong, local demand for the nylon 6,6 intermediate chemical. Engineering for a 300,000-tonne plant is underway at an estimated investment of over $1 billion. Construction of the AND plant is targeted for 2020 and production would begin in 2023, Invista said in a press release.
Kyle Redinger, VP of Invista Intermediates, Asia Pacific, and 2017 Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award winner, has accepted a newly-created role dedicated to meeting China’s long-term needs for ADN through capital investments, asset development and commercial arrangements.
“Given China’s strong demand for ADN and its commitment to advanced, energy-efficient technologies, Invista’s butadiene-based ADN is the best choice for capital investment in the region,†said Redinger. “Invista supplies more of the merchant market than any other ADN producer, so we want to ensure those customers have the best technology available. The last world-scale plant was constructed more than 35 years ago, so this is a special time for the industry.â€Â
Invista has been meeting with customers and industry participants to develop a collaborative strategy focused on meeting China’s local needs for ADN, which is used to make nylon polymer, fibres and other specialty materials such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) for coatings.