Saudi Arabia ships first batch of specialty chemicals

The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) shipped its first consignment of ethanolamines and ethoxylates from manufacturing plants in Jubail, Saudi Kayan. This made Saudi Arabia the first country in the Middle East that has produced and marketed ethanolamines and ethoxylates, and marks the beginning of a new era for both the kingdom and the company in the production of specialty chemicals. The first shipment was delivered to customers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. Eventually, deliveries will be made across the globe. “This pioneering effort will strengthen our position in the performance chemicals segment, while establishing a platform for the competitiveness and growth of existing users of these materials in the region as well as entrants to the many new industries that can be established with these value added products and the world class services that SABIC brings,” said Koos Van Haasteren, SABIC executive vice president, Performance Chemicals. Ethoxylates are a family of surfactants which are used to make personal and household cleaning products. In industry, they are widely used in oilfield chemicals and lubricants, as well as in textile auxiliaries and agriculture. Ethanolamines are derived from ammonia and ethylene oxide and are used in consumer products, chemical intermediates and industrial processes. (June 2, 2012)