EPCA ’22: Mitsubishi delays MMA plant in US

LONDON (ICIS)–Mitsubishi Chemical Group (Mitsubishi) has delayed the final investment decision on its new methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant in the US.

The decision, which has been deferred by between 6-18 months, was made because of “current market volatility”.

The plant will be situated on the Mississippi River in Geismar, Louisiana.

It will have a capacity of 350,000 tonnes/year and be based on Mitsubishi’s ALPHA technology.

The plant will be the third and the largest commercial application for ALPHA technology since its initial development and first successful deployment by affiliate Lucite International in 2008.

The project, which recently completed its front end engineering design (FEED) stage, is currently in the process of applying for required wetland and air permits that are expected to be granted in 2023, with first investment decision (FID) expected in fiscal year 2023.

The EPCA annual meeting runs in Berlin on 4-6 October.

Thumbnail shows polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is made with MMA. Image by Shutterstock.