The Acetyl Chain’s reactor capabilities will allow producing a range of EVA products for use in solar applications, wire and cables, food packaging, medical devices and drug delivery solutions
A close-up picture of open-celled ethylene-vinyl acetate. (Credit: Rotor DB at the English-language Wikipedia)
Speciality materials and chemical company Celanese has completed the project to expand the additional ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) capacity at its facility in Edmonton, Alberta.
As part of the ultra-low capital project, the US-based firm has repurposed the existing manufacturing and infrastructure lines to expand the capacity of the facility.
According to the material firm, the project also enables significant growth in the Acetyl Chain’s downstream vinyls portfolio.
Celanese EVA polymers senior director Richard Jacobs said: “The rapidly increasing demand for sustainable energy sources throughout the world, such as solar and wind power, continues to play an important role in global demand growth for EVA.
“Demand for EVA in solar applications is anticipated to grow at a double-digit compounded annual rate through 2028, making the EVA industry one of the fastest growing products in our Acetyl Chain portfolio.”
Starting in the first quarter of 2023, the expansion offers an additional 35% of EVA capacity.
The initiative is anticipated to generate an additional operating EBITDA contribution of roughly $10m annually across the integrated acetyl value chain.
Celanese said that the Acetyl Chain’s reactor capabilities and footprint enable a more customised approach to product manufacturing.
The plant will now produce a full range of EVA products to meet demand in expanding solar applications, wire and cables, food packaging, medical devices, and drug delivery solutions.
Products made of Celanese EVA are marketed under the brand names Ateva EVA and Ateva G Medical Grade, the firm added.
Acetyl Chain facility senior vice president Mark Murray said: “We continue to strengthen Celanese as an industry leader in the acetyls and derivatives space.
“This EVA expansion enhances our downstream optionality to capture growth in high-value applications and to deliver on our commitment to be a preferred partner of our customers.”