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Greenchemicals Finalizes Acquisition of Polichem for Enhanced Sustainable Solutions

Expanded Sustainable Portfolio

Greenchemicals Srl has acquired Polichem Srl as of November 21, 2024. This acquisition combines the strengths of both companies to deliver a wider array of eco-friendly flame retardants and innovative additives aimed at enhancing the recycling and sustainability of thermoplastic polymers.

Polichem’s Expertise and Legacy
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Franco Lo Giudice, Polichem Srl boasts decades of expertise in advanced additives for engineered thermoplastics. Its specialties include nucleating and clarifying agents, impact modifiers, chain extenders for polyamides (PA), intrinsic viscosity increasers for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), dispersing molecules, and high-performance stabilizers. Polichem’s innovations, shaped by Dr. Lo Giudice’s deep understanding of polyamides and polyesters, will now be further refined with Greenchemicals’ extensive know-how. PET Bottles

Integrated Operations and Facilities
Polichem’s production site and application laboratory in Garlasco (PV) will be integrated into Greenchemicals’ headquarters in Desio (MB). This consolidation strengthens Greenchemicals’ ability to deliver sustainable additives while broadening its solutions for improving the quality of mechanically recycled polymers.

Strategic Expansion for Global Sustainability Goals
Dr. Lorenzi of Greenchemicals emphasizes the strategic importance of this acquisition in solidifying the company’s international presence in additive formulations. “Polichem’s products are inherently sustainable, improving productivity while reducing processing temperatures. They also enable the incorporation of higher percentages of recycled materials in final products,” he explains. PET Bottles

Greenchemicals’ Commitment to Sustainability
Since 2010, Greenchemicals has been a leader in developing halogen-free and low-halogen flame retardants, particularly for styrenic polymers and polyamides.

The company focuses on replacing environmentally hazardous substances like HBCD, TBBPA, antimony trioxide, and PFAS. Additionally, Greenchemicals is advancing technologies for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and exploring innovations in reactive extrusion.PET Bottles

This acquisition positions Greenchemicals as a key player in advancing sustainable plastics, combining enhanced product performance with reduced environmental impact.

MOPCO Targets Green Hydrogen and Facility Expansion by 2027

Misr Fertilizers Production Company (MOPCO) has ambitious plans to enhance its operations, focusing on green hydrogen production and expanding its fertilizer facilities. By the end of 2027, the company aims to finalize two key projects: a green hydrogen production facility and the expansion of its urea manufacturing capacity.

Advancing Green Hydrogen Production

A cornerstone of MOPCO’s initiative is the development of a green hydrogen facility in Damietta Port, located on Egypt’s eastern Mediterranean coast. This project, pivotal to the green ammonia industry, integrates seamlessly with existing ammonia plants in the region.  PET Bottles

The venture is being led by a consortium that includes MOPCO, Norway’s renewable energy company Scatec, and the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM). The green hydrogen produced will be processed into green ammonia at MOPCO’s facilities, which currently operate three ammonia production lines: MOPCO 1, MOPCO 2, and MOPCO 3.

Upon completion, the facility is expected to generate 150,000 tons of green ammonia annually. This output will primarily be exported via a dedicated pipeline through Damietta Port, cementing Egypt’s role in the global green ammonia supply chain.

Expanding Urea Production and Supporting Melamine

In parallel with its green hydrogen efforts, MOPCO is expanding its urea production facilities to enhance capacity and efficiency. These upgrades will bolster Egypt’s fertilizer sector and support the melamine industry, which relies heavily on urea as a feedstock.

The factory expansions are scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2027, alongside the green hydrogen facility. Combined, these initiatives signify a substantial investment of approximately $400 million. PET Bottles

Key Market Role and Performance Milestones

MOPCO holds a significant position in Egypt’s fertilizer market, fulfilling about 30% of the domestic demand for urea and 60% of the country’s ammonia requirements. The company is also a major exporter, supplying urea to European markets, with additional shipments to the Americas and Asia.

The first half of 2024 showcased MOPCO’s operational strength, as the company produced 943,000 tons of urea, meeting its production targets. Ammonia sales exceeded expectations, reaching 138% of the planned goal. By the end of 2024, MOPCO anticipates exporting between 600,000 and 700,000 tons of urea. The company expects further increases in production and export volumes in 2025, supported by reliable natural gas supplies.  PET Bottles

Strategic Vision for Sustainability

MOPCO’s dual focus on green hydrogen and urea production reflects its commitment to sustainability and meeting global demand. The integration of cutting-edge technology and strategic investments positions the company to lead Egypt’s transition toward greener industrial practices while expanding its influence in international fertilizer markets.