New 5,000t Annual Capacity Facility to Be Established in First Half of Next Year
Full-Scale HBPA Production to Begin in Second Half of Next Year
Constructed on Kumho Petrochemical Jeongil Chemical Factory Site in Yeosu National Industrial Complex
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Kumho P&B Chemicals announced on the 14th that it plans to officially launch its HBPA (Hydrogenated Bisphenol A) business, a high value-added BPA derivative, in collaboration with Kumho Petrochemical starting next year.
HBPA is a product developed using Kumho Petrochemical's proprietary technology, characterized by improved heat resistance, weather resistance, and yellowing resistance compared to conventional BPA through hydrogenation reactions. Recently, it has been mainly used as a BPA alternative in high-performance epoxy resins, polycarbonate (PC), and surfactants.
The HBPA business between the two companies will be conducted through a consignment production method. Kumho P&B Chemicals supplies BPA to Kumho Petrochemical, which then uses it as raw material to produce HBPA. Subsequently, Kumho P&B Chemicals takes back the HBPA to sell externally or reuse it as raw material for its own epoxy resins.
Kumho P&B Chemicals plans to leverage its global BPA sales network and accumulated sales know-how to secure a leading position in the HBPA market. At the same time, it aims to accelerate HBPA resin development and expand its epoxy segment portfolio. Kumho Petrochemical, having developed HBPA with its own technology, will focus on comprehensive HBPA technical support including sales and production.
The production facility will be newly established with an annual capacity of 5,000 tons by the first half of next year. Full-scale HBPA production is scheduled to begin in the second half of the same year. The HBPA facility will be located on the Kumho Petrochemical fine chemicals plant site within the Yeosu National Industrial Complex.
This collaboration is expected to further enhance the competitiveness of the Kumho Petrochemical Group's phenol derivatives division. Shin Woosung, CEO of Kumho P&B Chemicals, stated, "Based on the synergy effect among group affiliates, Kumho P&B Chemicals will strengthen its HBPA business capabilities and lead the market."
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