Solvay will build and operate a large-scale alkoxylation unit in Pasadena, TX, USA, at an integrated industrial facility of LyondellBasell’s Equistar Chemicals affiliate. Equistar will supply the ethylene oxide raw material to the unit. Solvay will invest nearly € 40 million for the unit which is expected to be operational in 2015. Following completion, an on-pipe unit will serve eight Solvay Novecare’s global alkoxylation plants.

Alkoxylates are used as emulsifiers, detergents, and wetting agents and are the chemical foundation for a wide range of Solvay Novecare specialty surfactants.

• Solvay, Brussels, Belgium