Sadara, Gulf Interchem to Build By-Product Recycling Unit in Jubail

Sadara Chemical Company (Sadara) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gulf Interchem, a Bahrain-based technology company to focus on innovating in the field of low-value chemical by-product recycling, for a by-products upgrade project based in PlasChem Park, Jubail.

Under the terms of the non-binding agreement, Gulf Interchem will build an integrated treatment plant to recover valuable molecules from Sadara by-products and convert them into fine chemicals that can be used in the production of speciality chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors, adhesives, lubricants and others.

The plant will be the first of its kind serving the Jubail petrochemical industry in the recycling of by-products and will help import new technologies for managing by-products. It will also generate value for Sadara through the recycling of its low-value by-products streams, increasing the value of exports, creating jobs and contributing to Sadara’s environmental protection efforts by reducing waste disposal and the company’s carbon footprint.

Gulf Interchem has developed advanced treatment processes to recycle by-products and waste streams into valuable chemical products. Beyond the economic value creation, the project’s planned recycling solutions will also have an immediate environmental impact, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 50,000 tons per year. It is also estimated that the project will create 50 highly specialized jobs while supporting the Kingdom’s growing and developing downstream manufacturing industries in the long term.

“This supply agreement with Gulf Interchem carries numerous advantages and benefits for Sadara, its partners and local and regional industries, as it not only allows us to responsibly utilize a portion of our by-products but also localizes a by-products handling component crucial not only to Sadara but to many of the chemicals players in PlasChem Park as well,” said Mohammad Al-Azzaz, director of value park, Sadara.

“We strive to explore new and innovative ways to maximize the use of chemical by-products and waste streams, thereby creating value for our partners and reducing their environmental footprint. This project with Sadara is especially exciting for us as it is unique in its approach and its capabilities,” said Bernard van den Wouwer, managing director at Gulf Interchem.