Tosoh to set up a ¥ 2-billion PU catalyst plant

The Japanese chemical major, Tosoh Corporation, has decided to set up a plant to produce Rzeta, the company’s proprietary, new, and unique emission-free reactive amine catalyst for polyurethane (PU) foam. The plant will be constructed on the grounds of the ethylene amine production facilities at the Nanyo Complex for an estimated investment of ¥ 2 billion. Construction of the Rzeta plant, which will begin in September 2013, is expected to be completed by November 2014.
 
PU catalysts are vital for producing PU foams that are used as cushioning for automotive interiors, for bedding, and for furniture and as insulation for refrigerators and construction materials. Those catalysts are also used for the manufacture of shoe soles, adhesives, and paints.
 
Tosoh developed Rzeta in response to concerns about volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from PU foams produced using conventional PU catalysts. As an emission-free PU foam reactive amine catalyst, Rzeta makes possible the manufacture of PU foams that do not emit the VOCs or odor characteristic of amine chemicals and that thus are better for the environment. The absence of VOCs also means that Rzeta-produced PU foams used in proximity to other resins, such as polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonates, will not change their colour.
 
Rzeta, moreover, has overcome the usual challenges of eco-friendly PU catalysts. It enables the production of PU foams with the same high level of durability as those made using conventional catalysts. In Rzeta, therefore, Tosoh brings to the marketplace a proprietary PU catalyst technology that is eco-friendly and that ensures advanced functionality. Rzeta meets demands for a cleaner planet through reduced VOC emissions without diminishing the quality of the products whose manufacture depends on it.
 
With Rzeta’s launch, Tosoh further develops its value-added specialty product business. Tosoh has a 40-year history as a global ethyleneamine derivative solution provider. Rzeta takes its place alongside such other of the company’s products as TEDA® and Toyocat®.