India Glycols & Clariant JV for renewable ethylene oxide derivatives

Originally announced in March 2021, the joint venture combines IGL’s renewable bio-ethylene oxide derivatives business, which includes a multipurpose production facility including an alkoxylation plant located in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, India, with Clariant’s local Industrial and Consumer Specialties business in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Clariant International Ltd. will be the sole Clariant shareholder with a 51% stake in the JV. IGL, along with its subsidiary, will hold a 49% stake in the JV. Both companies would appoint equal board members for the operation of JV and Mr U. S. Bhartia would be the chairman of the Board.

The JV’s production facilities in India will supply to local and global markets, creating one of the largest green-focused specialty chemicals (EO Derivative) companies. The combining of production and distribution capacities will allow this JV for green ethylene oxide derivatives to become a key supplier of these renewable materials to the rapidly growing consumer care market in India and her neighbouring countries. To support the manufacturing in this entity, IGL has agreed to a long-term supply agreement for ethylene oxide made from bio-ethanol and certain utilities.

This carve-out is expected to result in a stronger P&L for IGL with interest saving owing to debt reduction, EO and other utilities mark up, dividend income from the JV company.

“I am very pleased with the swift manner in which both parties were able to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals. This allows us to now move ahead and leverage IGL’s position as the largest manufacturer of green EO in the world in a value-generating combination with Clariant”, commented U. S. Bhartia, Chairman of India Glycols Ltd.

“It presents a great opportunity to build a business based on the sustainable footprint strength of IGL as well as know-how and extensive global reach of Clariant to deliver sustainable and innovative products,” added Rupark Sarswat, CEO of IGL.

“The successful closing of this joint venture strengthens our core portfolio and makes Clariant one of the leaders in green ethylene oxide derivatives. As part of our strategy, we are committed to adding value through sustainability. Our partnership with India Glycols will make us one of the leading surfactant suppliers in India, with a focus on renewable solutions for home and personal care”, said Conrad Keijzer, CEO of Clariant.

Christian Vang, Global Head of Clariant’s Business Unit Industrial & Consumer Specialties, added: “We experience a growing demand among our customers for home and personal care applications based on renewables. With the joint venture officially established, we will press ahead to fulfill this with innovative, sustainable and high-quality solutions based on the unique capabilities of both partners.”

The joint venture will be led by Nitin Sharma, currently Head of Clariant’s Industrial and Consumer Specialties business in South Asia, who added: “Profitable growth through sustainability is the key target for all of us in this newly formed company. The entire team will work together to leverage the contributions made by both partners to the joint venture into innovative solutions that serve the growing markets around us.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/clean-fuels/06072021/india-glycols-clariant-jv-for-renewable-ethylene-oxide-derivatives/