Unid, Ulsan Plant Expansion... Key Carbon Capture Potassium Hydroxide Increased by 20,000 Tons Annually

Secured Total Production Capacity of 400,000 Tons with 11 Billion Won Investment

OCI Group's chemical affiliate UNID announced on the 21st that it has completed the expansion of its Ulsan plant with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons, investing 11 billion KRW.

UNID is the world's number one company in the potassium-based chemical products market. It is led by co-CEOs Lee Woo-il, the eldest son of UNID Chairman Lee Hwa-young and third generation of the OCI founding family, and Jeong Ui-seung.

With this expansion, UNID secured a production capacity of 400,000 tons of potassium hydroxide, up from the previous 380,000 tons. This enables the company to respond to the increasing demand for potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) and potassium carbonate.

The potassium hydroxide produced by UNID is a raw material for potassium carbonate used in carbon capture. It is also used as an electrolyte for water electrolysis, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, as well as a polymerization accelerator for plastics such as solar cells and high-grade ABS.

Unid Ulsan Plant Exterior [Photo by Unid]

UNID operates a 320,000-ton plant in Jiangsu Province, China, in addition to the Ulsan plant. Combining Korea and China, the total potassium hydroxide production capacity amounts to 720,000 tons.

The global potassium hydroxide market is estimated to be about 2 million tons, and UNID holds a dominant first place with a global market share (based on production capacity) of approximately 34%.

Additionally, UNID is progressing with a new potassium hydroxide plant construction project in Yichang, Hubei Province, China, with a capacity of 180,000 tons, scheduled for completion in 2027.

UNID stated, "Through the expansion of production plants, we will further strengthen our global position and enhance competitiveness in the potassium hydroxide market."