Japanese petrochemical company Mitsui Chemicals plans to boost output capacity of its methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) plant in South Korea's South Jeolla province by May 2027.
Mitsui Chemicals aims to raise MDI production capacity at the plant by 100,000 t/yr to 710,000 t/yr, from 610,000 t/yr, the company said on 15 December. Kumho Mitsui Chemicals, a 50:50 joint venture between Mitsui and South Korean chemicals firm Kumho Petrochemical, operates the plant. The company plans to begin construction in February 2026.
It expects demand for MDI, a core material for polyurethane, to continue growing because of decarbonisation and economic growth, Mitsui Chemicals said. MDI is used for various products including automotive components, furniture, bedding and heat insulation for houses. The company believes the shift towards decarbonisation will drive MDI consumption for heat insulation, while economic growth will enhance demand for more comfortable cars and households.
Mitsui Chemicals also expanded MDI production capacity at the plant by 200,000 t/yr to 610,000 t/yr in 2024.
The prospect of MDI demand growth has prompted fellow Japanese petrochemical producer Tosoh to build an MDI splitter in south Vietnam's Ba Ria–Vung Tau province, aiming to begin commercial operations by October 2026.
