Chimcomplex Completes Green Polyol Production Capacity Expansion in Romania

Chimcomplex SA Borzesti, based in Onesti, Bacau county, successfully wrapped up its project on April 30, 2024, at the Rm Vâlcea plant. This initiative received co-financing through the “Business Development, Innovation, and SMEs” program, operating under contract number 2021/331014, with Innovation Norway overseeing the program.

The project's total eligible worth stands at €2,431,000, including non-repayable financial aid totaling €1,215,000.

The primary aim of the project is to transform Chimcomplex's production processes into environmentally sustainable practices, ensuring alignment with the principles of the circular economy.

Following the inauguration of one of Europe's most advanced polyol plants in 2022, the subsequent imperative was to invest in innovative technology for environmentally sustainable polyol production. This €40 million investment elevated the company's production capacity to over 187,000 tons per year.

The novel "green polyols," manufactured through advanced technology, substitute the petrochemical constituents found in traditional polyols with eco-friendlier alternatives or natural oils like castor oil, soybean oil, and palm oil. Moving along the production pipeline, these "green polyols" are employed to craft soft foams utilized in pillows, mattresses, and various automotive components.

The impact of this investment is noteworthy:

• The introduction of the new production line will enable Chimcomplex to augment its current capacity by an extra 17,000 tons of specialized polyols annually. Following client testing, these novel polyols will commence serial production, resulting in a considerable reduction in environmental impact attributed to the technologies and raw materials employed in manufacturing.

• Substituting traditional polyols with these specialized variants will lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 3,400 tons annually.

• The company's competitiveness will be bolstered through the expansion of its product portfolio.

• The new facility enhances the company's ability to cater to customized product requirements for individual clients. Collaborative product design with customers will facilitate formula adjustments based on their specifications.

• Current and potential customers have the opportunity to acquire the new "Made in Rm. Vâlcea" polyols, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of their end products and branding them as eco-friendly sustainable.

Amalia Ionescu, serving as the project manager, expressed, "The completion of this new investment at the Rm. Vâlcea plant underscores the company's dedication to sustainability, innovation, and progress. We extend our gratitude to Innovation Norway for their support throughout the project. Over the past 5 years, specialists from Chimcomplex's Advanced Polyol Research and Development Center have formulated new experimental polyol variants, which are now readily testable and widely applicable for our clients. The incorporation of fine chemicals not only enhances Romania's overall value but also caters to the specific needs of consumers. We all aspire to safer and healthier everyday products. Chemists' expertise is relied upon to address environmental challenges and devise technologies aimed at mitigating our planet's adverse impacts."

The project was conducted in collaboration with International Development Norway, a Norwegian entity boasting more than two decades of experience in international projects centered around eco-business excellence.