The project “Investing in innovative green technology to produce new environmentally friendly polyols at Chimcomplex” has been completed.
Romania’s Chimcomplex SA Borzesti, headquartered in Onesti, Bacau County, concluded the above-mentioned project on April 30, 2024. The project was implemented at the Rm Valcea plant. It was co-financed through the “Business Development, Innovation, and SMEs” program, under contract number 2021/331014, with Innovation Norway serving as the program operator.
The total eligible value of the project is EUR 2,431,000, with non-repayable financial assistance amounting to EUR 1,215,000.
The overall objective of the project is to make the Chimcomplex production processes eco-friendly and align the company’s activities with circular economy principles.
Investing in innovative technology for environmentally friendly polyol production was the next necessary step after the inauguration of one of Europe’s most modern polyol plants in 2022. This EUR 40 million investment increased the company’s production capacity to over 187,000 tons per year.
These innovative “green polyols,” produced using the new technology, replace the petrochemical components of conventional polyols with less polluting alternatives or natural oils such as castor oil, soybean oil, and palm oil. Further down the production chain, these “green polyols” are used to create soft foams for pillows, mattresses, and other automotive components.
Significant impact of the investment
The new production line will allow Chimcomplex to increase its existing capacity by an additional 17,000 tons of special polyols annually. After client testing, these new polyols will enter serial production, significantly reducing their environmental impact due to the nature of the technologies and raw materials used in manufacturing.
Replacing conventional polyols with the new special types will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 3,400 tons annually.
The company’s competitiveness will improve through portfolio expansion.
The new facility enhances the company’s adaptability to customized product needs for individual clients. Product design will be done collaboratively with customers, adapting formulas based on their requirements.
Current and future clients can purchase the new “Made in Rm. Valcea” polyols, reducing the carbon footprint of their final products and labelling them as environmentally friendly.
“This new investment completed at the Rm. Valcea plant reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and development. We thank Innovation Norway for supporting the project. Over the past 5 years, Chimcomplex specialists from the Advanced Polyol Research and Development Center have created new experimental polyol types, which can now be rapidly tested and widely used by our clients. Fine chemicals add value to Romania overall and to consumers in particular. We all desire safer and healthier products for everyday use. You can rely on the expertise of chemists to find solutions for environmental challenges and develop technologies that reduce our planet’s negative impact,” Amalia Ionescu, project manager, stated.
The project was carried out in partnership with International Development Norway, a Norwegian organization with over 20 years of experience in international projects focused on eco-business best practices.
About Chimcomplex
Chimcomplex is the main manufacturer and supplier of vital chemicals in the region, specializing in polyols, chlor-alkali, and oxo-alcohols. It is a strategic company for the Romanian economy, the largest chemical plant, with 2 industrial platforms in Onesti and Ramnicu Valcea. Chimcomplex is a company with a tradition of almost 70 years, which develops quality products for a better life and a sustainable future. In 2023 Chimcomplex registered a turnover of 1.339 million lei.
