Dormagen, Germany -- As part of its plans to build a 300 kilotonnes per annum plant to make TDI (toluene diisocyanate) in Dormagen, Bayer MaterialScience has filed an application for a permit with the local government in Cologne.
Bayer MaterialScience aims to inform politicians, media and the local community about this plant, in an information week which began on 16 May.
BMS plans to invest around Euro 150 million ($213 million) in the project, and expects a decision at the end of this year or early next year.
The new plant will use gas-phase technology for phosgenation, and will replace BMS's existing TDI plants in Dormagen and Brunsbüttel.
"The plastics industry expects that global demand for TDI will increase in the long term. With the efficient, sustainable production used in the proposed unit, we intend to expand our global leadership position in this market," said Peter Vanacker, head of the Polyurethanes Business Unit of Bayer MaterialScience, in the company's announcement.
Dr Tony Van Osselaer, the member of BMS's Executive responsible for production and technology, commented on Bayer's commitment to the North Rhine-Westphalia region, and the plant's potential to add permanent jobs in the region.
Bayer has already had an independent environmental impact study carried out by TÜV Süd, whose certificate for environmental performance is part of the permit application.
TÜV's investigation did not reveal any adverse effects from the planned facility for the surrounding residential areas and open spaces, or in the recreational and nature conservation areas in the wider community nearby, said Dieter Kuhn, head of the TDI production plant in Dormagen.
BMS claims its new TDI process is a milestone in terms of energy efficiency, environmental performance and productivity and meet the highest safety standards. "We therefore see the results of regulatory review with optimism and hope on continued positive reactions and political support from the region for our project," said Kuhne.
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