Advancing Low-Carbon Isocyanate Production through Effective CO₂ Utilization

Tosoh Corporation has commenced operations at a newly constructed CO₂ recovery and raw material production facility at its Nanyo Complex in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The facility captures CO₂ for use as a raw material in the production of isocyanates, including MDI, a key ingredient in polyurethane manufacturing.

The company, which traditionally produces carbon monoxide (CO) for isocyanate production from naphtha, will now utilize its proprietary process to recover CO₂ from combustion gases emitted during CO production. This innovation allows Tosoh to recover approximately 40,000 tons of CO₂ annually, reducing reliance on naphtha and contributing to the decarbonization of its isocyanate products.

The facility incorporates Tosoh’s internally developed high-durability CO₂ amine absorbent for the recovery process. This will enable the company to validate and enhance the performance of its CO₂ recovery technology, with potential plans for commercialization in the future.

Tosoh remains committed to leveraging its extensive technological expertise to drive innovation, reduce CO₂ emissions, and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

Source: Tosoh