AkzoNobel's Specialty Chemicals business has developed a novel technology platform for producing ethylene amines and their derivatives from ethylene oxide. As well as significantly reducing raw material consumption per ton of product, it also offers a substantially improved cost and sustainability profile when compared with existing processes.

The flexibility of the technology will allow the selective production of a wide range of end products, enabling the company to expand its amines product offering. AkzoNobel intends to start construction of a demonstration plant in 2018 to showcase the competitiveness of the platform and validate the products with customers.

The range of ethylene amines targeted includes, but is not limited to, DETA (diethylenetriamine) and TETA (triethylenetetramine), which are key building blocks in a number of growth applications such as epoxy curing, oil and road additives, and paper.

"We are excited to announce this technology, which underlines our commitment to the global ethylene amines market," said Joppe Smit, GM of AkzoNobel's Ethylene Amines business. "It offers unique benefits to our customers in comparison to mainstream technology and we strongly believe it has the potential to become a game-changer in the industry."

Added Egbert Henstra, managing director of AkzoNobel's Ethylene and Sulfur Derivatives business: "Launching this technology strengthens our product portfolio and will further improve the company's position as one of the leaders in the ethylene amines industry. Establishing this unique position is of strategic importance to our business."

In regards to the development, Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I director of Specialty Chemicals at AkzoNobel, said: "The development of this novel technology is another great example of AkzoNobel's commitment to growth through innovation. In addition, it underlines our commitment to make a positive and lasting impact on a more sustainable planet."