Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) on Tuesday signed an agreement with Lurgi GmbH, a German firm, for the technology licensing and engineering that will allow SABIC to produce oleo-chemicals at its affiliate, Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company, following the completion of new facilities to be constructed in Jubail. Start-up of the new production line is planned for the end of 2013 and will utilize renewable feedstock technology. “The feedstock used for this process is based on natural raw materials from renewable oils such as palm kernel oil and coconut oil. The use of renewable feedstock is part of SABIC's overall commitment to sustainability and strong corporate citizenship,” said SABIC Executive Vice President, Technology & Innovation, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Ubaid. “SABIC's diversification into oleo-chemical products is in line with the company's strategy and drive to increase its performance chemicals portfolio. SABIC's expansion of the ethylene oxide derivatives business, with particular emphasis on ethoxylate surfactants, will further be strengthened through backward integration into natural fatty alcohols.”
