 "AkzoNobel and Atul officials sign pact for monochloroacetic acid JV")
Dutch specialty chemicals major AkzoNobel and Atul Ltd, a Lalbhai Group company, have signed an agreement to set up a manufacturing joint venture for the production of monochloro acetic acid (MCA) in India.
The two companies plan to install a MCA plant at Atul's facility in Gujarat, building on Atul's status as a leading supplier of crop protection chemicals (which uses MCA as a key raw material) and AkzoNobel's leading global position in MCA, with plants in the Netherlands, China, Japan and the US.
The proposed JV will use chlorine and hydrogen manufactured by Atul to produce MCA, taking advantage of Atul's existing infrastructure and AkzoNobel’s latest eco-friendly hydrogenation technology. The proposed facility will mainly serve the Indian monochloro acetic acid market, as well as meeting the captive requirements of Atul Ltd.
“We are extremely passionate about taking forward the 'Make in India' initiative led by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi by bringing in state-of-the-art, eco-friendly technologies from world class companies,” said Sunil Lalbhai, chairman and managing director of Atul Ltd.
Werner Fuhrmann, AkzoNobel's executive committee member responsible for specialty chemicals, added, "As a company we are committed to achieving growth in India and this cooperation presents a unique opportunity for us to participate in the Indian MCA market.”
Monochloro acetic acid is an essential building bock in the chemical industry and used in a wide range of chemicals. For example, AkzoNobel's customers use MCA to produce thickening agents for food, oil, mining, personal care and detergent industries. The product is also used in agrochemicals, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, thermo stabilisers, surfactants and cosmetics.
