Emery Oleochemicals, the world’s leading natural-based chemicals producer and largest oleochemicals manufacturer in North America, celebrates its 175th anniversary in conjunction with the commercialization of its $50 million Bio-based and Recycled Content Polyols Plant.

The plant, which began construction in late 2013, makes its mark as the world’s first industrial-scale facility capable of utilizing scrap foam as feedstock to manufacture a new range of sustainable polyols. Additionally, by leveraging Emery Oleochemicals’ proprietary feedstock technology, the company is well-positioned to also provide performance bio-based polyol solutions.

Combined, the bio-based and recycled content polyols create a wide-ranging solutions portfolio suited for high-growth industries, such as automotive, furniture, major appliances, construction and coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers (CASE). Offering industry players sustainable products that can address energy efficiencies in buildings and reduce the amount of scrap foam dumped into landfills, the new plant will also manufacture renewable-based products for bio-lubricants, green polymers and bio-pesticides applications.

“This is a strategically important investment for Emery Oleochemicals, allowing us to play a leading role in the commercial production of bio-based chemicals in the USA,” said Jay Taylor, senior vice president, chief manufacturing officer and regional managing director, North America. “Accelerating our capabilities in producing sustainable solutions, this new plant reinforces our commitment to providing innovative solutions that help our customers meet changing market needs and increasing demands mainly in flexible and rigid foams, and coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers (CASE) applications.”

In addition to the $50 million plant investment, Emery Oleochemicals has invested in an expanded Technical Development Center (TDC) that will serve as its global innovation hub for the bio-polyols, bio-lubricants and bio-pesticides industries. It is expected to launch at the end of 2015.

Douglas da Silva Rosa, chief technology officer of Emery Oleochemicals, believes that growing capabilities and on-the-ground technical presence enables the company to operate with speed and agility; converting local insights into innovative and sustainable products.

“Our continued investments in research and innovation will expand our business in the area of natural-based chemicals, allowing us to build a portfolio of differentiated products in the marketplace and drive new growth opportunities. Creative solutions, such as the recycled content polyols, will be the cornerstone to the success of our innovation pipeline,” explained Silva Rosa.

Reflecting on the megatrends of rapid urbanization, resource scarcity and climate change,  Emery Oleochemicals’ Group Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Kana emphasized, “This investment allows us to push the boundaries of science and advance sustainable solutions that transcend product performance and margin contributions. By ‘going beyond specialties’, we look to enabling a better future by means of differentiated thinking. New approaches in sustainable product stewardship are a major driver of innovation for a resource-efficient way of life.”

The unveiling of the new plant launches a two-day celebration commemorating the company’s 175th anniversary. Emery Oleochemicals’ global executives, senior management, and current and former employees will be treated with a family-day event on Saturday, September 19.