Japan: Petrochemicals Idemitsu Kosan Commences Commercial Production of Mixed Xylene at Aichi Refinery

To expand its petrochemical business, the firm has installed a new reformed gasoline xylene recovery equipment at the refinery which is capable of producing 170,000 tonnes of mixed xylene per year.

Tokyo/Japan – In August 2018, Idemitsu Kosan Co. began commercial operation for mixed xylene at its Aichi Refinery in Japan. Under its Fifth Consolidated Medium-term Management Plan, which calls for promotion of the fuel-to-chemical business, Idemitsu has made progress on installation of new equipment at the Aichi Refinery. The Aichi Refinery recently completed and began commercial operation of its mixed xylene equipment. With production capacity of 170,000 tonnes per year, this equipment will not only contribute to expansion of the petrochemical business but will also enable the company to flexibly deal with changing supply and demand trend of petroleum products and petrochemical raw materials.

This product is used widely as a base raw material in products commonly used in everyday living, such as polyester textiles and PET plastic bottles. Plans call for selling it chiefly in the Asian markets, where demand is booming (with growth of 5 % per year).

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