ExxonMobil Chemical will build the world’s largest hydrogenated tackifier plant at its recently expanded petrochemical complex in Singapore. The 90 kiloton plant will double the company’s ability to make Escorez 5000, a resin for hot melt adhesive producers.

ExxonMobil’s Singapore Chemical Plant provides a unique platform for the added hydrogenated tackifier production. The site’s two large steam crackers utilize proprietary technology to process an unprecedented range of feedstocks, including crude oil. Crude cracking produces a wide range of valuable byproducts that can be further upgraded to specialty chemicals such as premium resins for adhesive applications.
 
The facility incorporates a state-of-the-art hydrogenation reactor system to produce premium tackifiers. The plant will also produce new resins for non-adhesive uses. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2014, with completion anticipated in 2017.
 
“ExxonMobil is recognized as a leading source of globally consistent, high-quality and technically advanced polymers and tackifiers for the hot melt adhesive industry,” says Dwight Tozer, vice president, adhesion industry business, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “Our new plant marks another milestone in our ongoing commitment to help formulators around the globe capitalize on growing demand for premium, hot melt adhesives.”
 
Hydrogenated tackifier demand is expected to double over the next 15 years. Much of the growth is forecasted in Asia, where packaging, woodworking and nonwovens manufacturers increasingly depend on the outstanding performance and cost effectiveness of hot melt adhesives.