Expansions: Perstorp starts up Dutch esters plant; Emirates Biotech appoints Samsung E&A to build PLA plant

Chemical firm Perstorp says it recently started production at its site in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with a number of test batches of various esters. Once the quality is approved by customers, the facility will begin to scale up production.

The acquisition of the Amsterdam facility was the first step towards Perstorp’s growth in synthetic esters and strengthening the company’s position in the Engineered fluids market. Since the acquisition, a lot of efforts have been made to prepare the production start. Now, the first test batches of esters marked the start of production at the site.

Before the Amsterdam site was acquired by Perstorp, the facility has produced esters for various applications such as automotive and refrigeration lubricants, plasticisers and even some esters for use in cosmetics.

The site operates as a batch plant, offering flexibility to accommodate a wide range of customer specifications. It is a significant milestone that production now has successfully commenced, and once the quality is approved the site will start to ramp up production to full scale, it added.

In other news, Emirates Biotech has selected Samsung E&A as the contractor for its upcoming polylactic acid (PLA) production plant in the United Arab Emirates. Officially named Falcon PLA Project, the plant is expected to be operational in early 2028 and will be located in the KEZAD free zone in Abu Dhabi, a new industrial area with access to transportation infrastructure including the deep sea port of Khalifa. Once completed, 160,000 tonnes/year facility will be largest PLA production plant in world.

Samsung E&A will oversee all engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work for the project, with the pre-EPC contract, covering the initial phase of the collaboration, signed recently at Emirates Biotech’s head office in the UAE.

Emirates Biotech also recently selected Sulzer as the technology provider for its PLA plant.

Marc Verbruggen, CEO of Emirates Biotech, said: “Selecting Samsung E&A as our contractor is another significant step toward making our vision a reality. With their extensive expertise in delivering world-class engineering projects, we are confident that this collaboration will ensure the seamless integration of technology into our PLA production facility. The Falcon PLA Project will not only set new benchmarks for scale and efficiency but will also play a key role in providing industries with a viable, sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics. As we move closer to construction, we are excited to see our plans take shape and contribute to the global shift toward a circular economy.”

Hong Namkoong, President/CEO of SAMSUNG E&A stated: "With our extensive project experience and advanced design technology, we continue to achieve outstanding results in high-value engineering. We are honored that Emirates Biotech has entrusted us with the Falcon PLA Project, and are fully committed to delivering it successfully.”

Emirates Biotech aims to accelerate the transition from fossil-based plastics to renewable, biodegradable alternatives, ensuring industries worldwide have access to high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions.

SUBSCRIBE to Get the Latest Updates from PRA    Click Here»