France-headed specialty materials major Arkema Group has announced that it is investing EUR 130 million to increase its global production capacity of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), an additive that is key in the production of renewable fuels, at its Beaumont site in Texas (TX), the United States.
In a fast-growing biofuel market, driven by the demand for sustainable growth, Arkema has decided to increase its global production capacity of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), an additive that is key in the production of renewable fuels.
The development of biofuels, for which demand will have doubled by 2040, is essential for the decarbonization of transport, particularly in the aviation sector.
DMDS a key component
DMDS is proving the most efficient solution to support biorefineries in the conversion of vegetable oils and agri-food waste into renewable fuels.
DMDS makes it possible to produce clean and renewable fuels while optimizing the performance of the purification and transformation processes for which it is intended.
It is also used in crop protection and as a raw material in the production of Sulfonyls that is used particularly in electronics.
Strengthen position
As a global leader in DMDS, Arkema offers sulfur-based and specialty solutions to support its customers’ growth in Europe, Asia, and North America.
With installed capacities in Lacq, France, and Kerteh, Malaysia, these upcoming capacities in Beaumont, US, and renowned customer service and support offerings, Arkema will be in a position to serve its customers locally across the three major regions in which the Group operates.
This EUR 130 million investment will also enable the creation of jobs on the Beaumont site while strengthening the site’s upstream/downstream integration.
The project is scheduled to come on stream in the second quarter of 2025.
This latest investment on the Beaumont site in Texas will make it possible to meet the strong growth in demand, particularly in the United States, and also provide a local supply in the region. This project is in line with Arkema’s wish to support the transition to renewable energies and will enable the Group to strengthen its position as a global player in high-growth and more environmentally friendly sulfur derivatives and innovative materials, said Laurent Tellier, SVP of Performance Additives at Arkema.
