Foam industry supplier Dow Polyurethanes is planning to build an integrated MDI (methylenediphenyl diisocyanate) distillation and prepolymers facility at its existing manufacturing campus in Freeport, Texas. The new MDI plant will replace the current one in LaPorte, Texas. The larger Freeport location will start up in 2023 and have the capability to produce 30% more product.
“This MDI investment optimizes our existing asset infrastructure and enhances our global polyurethanes leadership position, further enabling us to support downstream systems customers’ growth,” said Jane Palmieri, president of Dow’s Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure operating segment. “The back integration at the Freeport site creates a cost competitive supply of key upstream polyurethane raw materials, ensures a reliable supply position to support our growth in downstream high-value polyurethane markets and delivers a more sustainable production process.”
The new facility integrated at the Freeport site will reduce Dow’s carbon footprint and water usage by using existing thermal energy produced at the campus, reducing water usage through production efficiencies and eliminating the need for transporting raw materials.
Dow Polyurethanes supplies feedstocks used in the production of rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, as well as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and composites.
