Huntsman Opens New Aromatic Polyester Polyols Plant in Taiwan
Huntsman’s new polyols plant expands the company’s downstream polyurethanes capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region and marks the first time Huntsman has manufactured these polyols outside the U.S.
Huntsman Corp. recently commemorated the official startup of a new 22,000-ton TEROL® aromatic polyester polyols plant at its systems house in Kuan Yin, Taiwan. The opening ceremony at the site was attended by key customers and employees. The 3,600-sq-m polyols plant, completed in May, expands Huntsman’s downstream polyurethanes capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region and marks the first time Huntsman has manufactured these polyols outside the U.S.
Huntsman reports that TEROL polyester polyols are critical components in the production of MDI-based polyurethane insulation systems. Insulation products based on these polyols include polyisocyanurate (PIR) boardstock systems, spray polyurethane foam (SPF), and pour-in-place applications such as entry doors, garage doors, coolers, refrigerators, and commercial freezers. To produce its TEROL polyols, Huntsman utilizes a proprietary process that upcycles scrap polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, some of which otherwise would have ended up in landfills, rivers, and oceans.