Evonik (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) has recently completed a significant capacity expansion at its sodium methylate plant in Mobile, Alabama. The company has increased capacity to 72,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr).
Although sodium methylate is used in various applications including pharmaceuticals, polymers and agrochemicals synthesis, it has become the catalyst of choice for modern large-scale biodiesel production accounting for more than 80% of the biodiesel produced in North America. “The U.S. market for biodiesel will continue to grow,” said Stefan Plass, head of Business Line Functional Solutions. “Ensuring our customers have a key raw material they need, when they need it, is why we have invested our resources here in Mobile – to better meet our customers’ needs.”
“This represents the first phase of expansion plans for sodium methylate and demonstrates our continuing commitment to the biodiesel industry,” said Alexander Weber, general manager and vice president North America, Business Line Functional Solutions. “Evonik has also increased its rail fleet for sodium methylate ensuring that the additional volume will be available throughout the U.S.”
“We are proud that our Mobile facility has the unique advantages of integrated utilities, excellent logistical access, on-site engineering and a highly trained and dedicated workforce,” said Mark Hanlon, sodium methylate plant manager.
Besides Mobile, Evonik also produces sodium methylate in Germany and Argentina. Sodium methylate serves an important function as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel, a renewable biofuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and therefore contributes to a more sustainable environment.