Fluor Corp. (Irving, Tex.) was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract by Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp. (MCG Group; Toyko) for its SoarnoL ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) facility in Saltend Chemicals Park, Hull, United Kingdom. Fluor booked its undisclosed portion of the contract in the second quarter of 2023.
“Fluor values our relationship with Mitsubishi Chemical Group,” said Jim Breuer, group president of Fluor’s Energy Solutions business. “We are excited to be a part of this important project that will reduce food waste, resulting in decreased methane emissions from landfills and a lower carbon footprint. As we collaborate with our clients to build a better world, this leads to positive societal benefits for people and our planet.”
SoarnoL is a high gas-barrier resin used to produce packaging materials that help extend the flavor and quality of foods, resulting in reduced food waste. In addition, multilayer films containing SoarnoL are certified as highly recyclable in combination with Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s recycling compatibilizer Soaresin.
Fluor’s scope of work consists of modifications to the existing facility and a new, second production line that will increase capacity by 21,000 tons per year. When completed and operational, the Saltend Chemicals Park EVOH facility will be Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s second largest SoarnoL site in the world.
Mechanical completion is scheduled for summer 2025.