With the steel work that will house the main process reactor in place at its Atlas Point manufacturing site in New Castle, Delaware, Croda International Plc, who make specialty chemical ingredients that enhance everyday consumer and industrial products, came a step closer to completing the first plant of this type in North America that will manufacture 100% renewable non-ionic surfactants.

The main process reactor will produce ethylene oxide from bio-ethanol, allowing for the creation of these new surfactants, which are active emulsifying agents used to bind oil and water in products like face creams, toothpastes, paints and laundry detergents. When the new plant becomes operational in 2017, these fully renewable ingredients will enable its customers to meet their goals to deliver 100% renewable, high performance products to their consumers.

“We’re very proud of this milestone and all the great things it represents for our customers, Croda and the state of Delaware,” said Bob Stewart, Managing Director of Operations – Croda North America.  “This milestone is not only important to the production of these new surfactants; it also demonstrates a visual commitment to completing this project and Croda’s long-standing dedication to sustainability and putting innovation into action.”

Continued Community Support

Croda will bring more than 250 construction jobs to Delaware and approximately 30 new, full time positions to the site. The continued support of the local community drew the admiration of Delaware Rep. John Carney (D), who visited the site on January 20th. "Croda is a leader in the development of high quality products through sustainable manufacturing," said Congressman Carney.  "I'm excited that the Delaware facility will be the first plant of this type in North America.  And I'm even more excited for the Delawareans who work at Croda and will help drive this innovation.  We need to make things in America again, and these are the types of pioneering projects that will bring back manufacturing to the U.S. and to Delaware."

Track Record of Sustainability

Around 70% of Croda’s raw materials come from renewable sources and the Company places great emphasis on minimising the environmental impact of its processes to help improve the sustainable credentials of end consumer and industrial products. Atlas Point has experienced this commitment to sustainability through a number of other recent investments. In 2013, Croda invested $2.3 million in solar panels, which generates 5% of the site’s electricity. In 2012, Croda invested $8 million in a renewable energy project that uses landfill gas to generate electricity and steam. The results of this project reduced Croda’s annual CO2 emissions by 11,600 tons, and these projects combined now generate more than 60% of the site’s energy. Also in 2012, Atlas Point also achieved a 78% reduction in landfill waste by increasing the use of solid waste as fuel and furthering recycling opportunities.

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