Eastman Chemical Co. (Kingsport, Tenn.; www.eastman.com) is pleased to announce the recent startup of its new dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) unit at its Nanjing, China site. The addition will significantly increase the company’s DMAE capacity, support additional sales in Asia, and further strengthen Eastman’s global leadership in alkyl alkanolamines like DMAE, which is used primarily as an intermediate in water treatment.
Led by Site Manager Lisa Xiao Yan Chen, the project began several years ago and overcame several unexpected obstacles, including COVID-19.
“Even with a global pandemic, the construction had a perfect safety record,” said Sabine Ketsman, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s care chemicals and animal nutrition. “I’m very proud of our entire team.”
Ketsman stressed that water treatment is vital in addressing increased water scarcity across the world.
“The need for clean water truly affects people’s daily lives and personal well-being,” she said. “This is a great example of how our products and chemistries contribute to enhancing the quality of life in a sustainable way.”
Eastman, the world’s largest producer of DMAE and other alkyl alkanolamines, has similar units in Belgium and the United States. Its Nanjing site makes methylamines and dimethylacetamide and has an existing alkanolamines unit that produces DMAE, MDEA, MMEA and MDIPA. Additional growth projects are planned.