Dairen Chemical, based in Taiwan, is gearing up for a temporary shutdown of its vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) plant located in Mailiao. The scheduled closure is set to commence on March 11 and will extend until April 30, facilitating essential repairs and maintenance activities. This particular facility boasts a production capacity of 120 thousand tons of VAM annually. Notably, the plant has been operating at a reduced capacity of 70% since February 1, as per information from reliable sources.

A precedent for such maintenance endeavors was set by Dairen Chemical on April 10, 2023, when the company temporarily halted production at its Plant No. 1 dedicated to VAM production in Mailiao. The previous maintenance operation, lasting for one month, impacted an enterprise with an annual VAM capacity of 300 thousand tons.

Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) holds significance as the primary raw material for the synthesis of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Dairen Chemical operates as a joint venture, featuring collaboration between Chang Chun Group entities (Chang Chun Petrochemical and Chang Chun Plastics) and Nan Pao Resins. In the production chain, Dairen Chemical supplies VAM to its parent companies for further processing into polyvinyl acetate.

The inception of VAM production at Dairen Chemical traces back to its licensing agreement with Bayer AG (Germany) for the establishment of the first VAM production plant. This initial facility boasts an annual production capacity of 85 thousand tons.

The strategic decision to undertake maintenance activities on the VAM plant in Mailiao reflects Dairen Chemical's commitment to ensuring operational efficiency and the longevity of its production infrastructure. Maintenance endeavors play a crucial role in sustaining the reliability and performance of industrial facilities, preventing potential issues and ensuring the seamless continuation of production activities.

The temporary reduction in production capacity, initiated since February 1, aligns with Dairen Chemical's proactive approach to manage operations efficiently during the maintenance period. Such measures are essential to balance the impact of maintenance activities on production output while addressing the need for repairs and enhancements.

In the broader context, Dairen Chemical's role as a key player in the VAM production sector contributes to the supply chain for EVA, a versatile polymer used in various industries. The collaboration between Chang Chun Group and Nan Pao Resins underscores the synergy among industry leaders to drive innovation and meet the demands of downstream applications relying on polyvinyl acetate.

As Dairen Chemical undertakes this planned maintenance at its Mailiao facility, the company reinforces its commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility in the production of essential chemicals. The periodic shutdowns for maintenance not only ensure the reliability of the manufacturing infrastructure but also align with industry standards for sustainable and responsible chemical production.