Vantage expands taurine production capacity in Germany

US-based Vantage Specialty Chemicals will expand taurine production capacity at its main production site in Leuna, Germany, specifically the production of N-methyltaurine.

Vantage said the multi-million dollar investment is a two-phase expansion project that will nearly triple the plant’s production capacity for N-methyltaurine, a strategic building block. The first phase was completed in September 2022, with the second phase expected to come online in early 2025.

Steve Doktycz, CEO of Vantage Specialty Chemicals said: "As a long-standing leader in natural product derivatives, Leuna's expansion solidifies our leadership position in the taurine value chain. The additional capacity will enable us to meet global demand for mild surfactants, particularly in the personal care segment, where formulators favor our portfolio of effective, sulfate-free surfactants for the applications of sensitive skin and scalp stimulating.

The company said that in addition to a significant increase in production capacity, the investment will further improve the energy efficiency of the plant, reducing annual steam consumption by approximately 40%, equivalent to approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

The Leuna site became part of Vantage in 2019 and claims to be one of the world's leading producers of taurine and its building blocks. The facility also produces specialty surfactants and intermediates that support Vantage's consumer and industrial business units.