Operations have begun at leading chemical producer Qixiang Tengda’s new propylene oxide complex in Zibo City, China, using technology from Evonik and thyssenkrupp Uhde. The technologically integrated setup offers significant ecological and economic benefits compared to conventional production methods for propylene oxide.

With the capacity to produce 300,000 tons of propylene oxide each year, the state-of-the-art complex involves two main plants: One is a world-scale HPPO facility to synthesize propylene oxide directly from hydrogen peroxide using a method licensed from Evonik and thyssenkrupp Uhde. The other is a new hydrogen peroxide megaplant licensed from Evonik to provide the raw material directly on-site. Evonik is also supplying its catalyst specifically designed for the process.

HPPO (hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide), is an efficient propylene oxide production method developed by Evonik and thyssenkrupp Uhde.

“I would like to heartily congratulate Qixiang Tengda on the startup of the new HPPO and hydrogen peroxide plants and the excellent cooperation,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, head of Evonik’s Smart Materials division. “HPPO is a prime example of how innovative technology can support greener industrial processes — especially in light of tightening environmental regulations in China. I am especially impressed by the efficiency with which these facilities were built and successfully brought online in those times of pandemic restrictions.”

“The Evonik-Uhde HPPO technology is a perfect example for making chemical processes as environmentally friendly as possible. To tackle the complex challenges all industrial sectors are facing, it is mandatory to have the right partners, and we are gladly supporting our customers to reach their environmental and economic targets,” remarked Dr. Cord Landsmann, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde.

“Our goal was to build an efficient propylene oxide plant by using the most sustainable process technologies and with Evonik and thyssenkrupp Uhde, we found the right partners to achieve this goal,” said Che Chengju, General Manager of Qixiang Tengda.