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, 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.”
The new oleo-chemical plant will be the first of its type in
the Middle East and includes an upstream natural acid unit, a wax-ester unit, a
hydrogenation unit, a downstream natural alcohol fractionation and distillation
line, as well as a complete glycerin line. The complex will be designed for the
production of 83,000 tons per year of distilled natural alcohols of various
compositions that are commonly used in household and laundry products,
plasticizers, lube additives, plastic industries, cosmetics and personal care.  Glycerin is used in food and beverage
processing, personal care, pharmaceuticals and other applications.