Malaysia-headquartered Emery Oleochemicals, a leading natural-based chemicals producer, has set up the Eco-Friendly Polyols (EP) business unit to tap opportunities in the global polyol industry. The EP business offers sustainable polyol solutions for use in the manufacturing of flexible and rigid polyurethane foam for transportation, construction, packaging, furniture and bedding, and many C.A.S.E. (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) applications. Its solutions include the EMEROX Renewable Polyols and InfiGreen Recycle Polyols.

EMEROX Renewable Polyols are made from renewable resources and deliver on both performance and cost while the InfiGreen Recycle Polyols are made from recycled polyurethane scrap foam and can function as a direct replacement for petroleum based polyols. InfiGreen also provides enhanced value and improved sustainability through the recycling of scrap foam. The award-winning InfiGreen Technology was recently acquired by Emery.

Group CEO of Emery, Kongkrapan Intarajang, also said that the firm is investing in upgrading and expanding its Cincinnati production facilities in the US, while enhancing R&D capabilities. “The acquisition of InfiGreen polyols technology further reinforces our commitment to being a one-stop chemicals solutions provider for our customers,” he commented. The firm is investing US$50 million in the Cincinnati facility expansion announced in October 2012.

Intarajang also said that the acquisition of the InfiGreen technology will also position Emery as the first speciality chemicals company to offer a unique technology based on both renewable and recycled raw materials to produce polyol-based products.

Emery is a leading producer of natural-based chemicals made predominantly from natural oils and fats such as palm kernel oil and tallow. Besides polyols, its solutions cater to the Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants, Additives, Home & Personal Wellness and OleoBasics markets.

With revenue of US$1billion (2012), the company has manufacturing plants in Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Emery Oleochemicals’ global operations are backed by a diverse workforce and an extensive distribution network covering over 50 countries worldwide.

The organisation’s heritage in chemicals extends back 170 years and it now jointly-owned by Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby Plantation and Thai chemical firm PTT Global Chemical.