Expansions: Syensqo expands PSU capacity in US; Ineos Acetic/GNFC in jv to build acetic acid plant in India

Materials firm Syensqo says it has “significantly” increased its US production capacity for Udel polysulphones (PSU) polymers at its Marietta, Ohio facility. Used in critical health, water, and energy applications, it has expanded production by more than 25%, though it did not specify the capacity.

Syensqo says its sulphone polymers are used in life-saving and life-supporting applications that enhance medical care, such as in systems for hemodialysis and medical instruments; play a critical role in water purification; and contribute to green hydrogen production systems that help reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.

Syensqo’s advanced polymers are designed to perform under demanding conditions, it adds. The company says they offer high strength and rigidity, flexible sterilisation options, and high resistance to cracking, even at elevated temperatures. These characteristics make them indispensable in applications like water filtration membranes and medical devices that require precision and reliability. With global approvals for use in drinking water and food contact products, these materials are trusted for their safety and durability.

The production increase at the Marietta site complements a recent expansion at Syensqo’s Augusta, Georgia facility, where key components used in these high-performance materials are produced. By strengthening its manufacturing presence in the US, Syensqo says it is bolstering its ability to meet rising demand from critical markets, ensuring reliable access to essential materials that support healthier lives, cleaner water, and a more sustainable future.

In other news, UK’s Ineos Acetyls and India’s Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) have signed an MOU to explore the feasibility to build a new world scale, 600 kilotonnes acetic ccid plant at GNFC's site in Bharuch, Gujarat, India.

The 50:50 joint venture will leverage Ineos's technical expertise and GNFC's market knowledge to operate the plant and distribute domestically produced acetic acid, boosting India's chemical manufacturing capabilities.

Ineos Acetyls says it is a leading producer of acetic acid globally and state-owned GNFC is the only current producer of acetic acid in India. The two companies have held a technology partnership for close to 30 years but will now establish a new joint venture which will manage bringing this project to market, currently forecast in 2028.

David Brooks, CEO Ineos Acetyls commented "We are delighted to make this announcement today, working with our partner GNFC on this new project. India is recognised as being a key growth market for our products over the coming years and this investment will increase much needed locally produced acetic acid, reducing the country’s reliance on imports.”

Pankaj Joshi, MD GNFC commented that India imports ~85% of its annual requirements of acetic acid.

The proposed JV is expected to achieve objective of ‘Make in India’. Domestication of acetic acid will serve existing demand and provide required boost to other evolving downstream demands saving precious foreign exchange outgo.

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