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Nonylphenol
|
PRODUCER |
CAPACITY* |
|
Dover Chemical, Dover, Ohio |
50 |
|
GE Specialty Chemicals,
Morgantown, W. Va. |
60 |
|
Huntsman, Port Neches, Tex. |
70 |
|
Noveon, Kalama, Wash. |
20 |
|
Schenectady International,
Freeport, Tex. |
110 |
|
Schenectady International,
Rotterdam Jct., N.Y. |
30 |
| Total |
340 |
*Millions of pounds per year of
nonylphenol (NP). Commercial production is based on phenol and nonene raw
materials. Some capacities may be overstated, since other alkylphenols, such as
butyl-, amyl-, octyl-, and dodecylphenols, may be made using the same process
equipment. Nonylphenol and dodecylphenol are the largest-volume alkylphenol
products manufactured in the US.
In February 2001, an investor
group comprised of AEA Investors Inc., an affiliate of DLJ Merchant Banking
Partners and DB Capital Partners Inc, acquired the performance materials
business from BFGoodrich. In May, the former BFGoodrich performance chemicals
segment, was named Noveon Inc.
Profile last published 9/28/98;
this revision 7/2/01.
DEMAND
1999: 235 million pounds; 2000: 240 million pounds; 2004: 260 million
pounds, projected. Demand equals production plus imports (1999: 3 million
pounds; 2000: 6 million pounds) less exports (1999: 24 million pounds; 2000: 49
million pounds).
GROWTH
Historical (1995 - 2000): 2 percent per year; future: 2 percent per year
through 2004.
PRICE
Historical (1995 - 2000): High, $0.62 per pound, tanks, f.o.b. east of the
Rockies, min. frt. alld.; low, $0.60, same basis. Current: $0.63, same basis.
USES
Surfactants (primarily industrial and institutional), 80 percent; phosphite
antioxidants for rubber and plastics, 10 percent; miscellaneous, including lube
oil additives, 10 percent.
STRENGTH
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) are highly cost-effective surfactants,
performing as well or better than other nonionics. The major applications are
use in industrial and institutional formulations, and private-label household
liquid detergents. Antioxidant uses for nonylphenol, led by
tris(nonylphenol)phosphite (TNPP), are growing at above average rates, though
from a relatively low base.
TNPP has been used for decades as a stabilizer in certain
plastics such as polyethylene. TNPP contains some residual NP that can migrate
out of the polymer matrix. A 1998 study measured potential migration of NP from
plastic packaging. It concluded that the use of TNPP in food packaging "is
not a health concern." Consequently, the US Food and Drug Administration
has cleared the use of these compounds in plastic food packaging. Additionally,
the European Union also investigated TNPP in its risk assessment of NP, and
concluded that TNPP does not pose a health risk.
WEAKNESS
For over a decade, companies that make and use NPEs have anxiously
speculated over the future of the compounds. Questions regarding the
degradability of NPEs have troubled producers and customers alike. And despite
studies demonstrating their biodegradability in the environment, the regulatory
future of NPEs still remains cloudy. In May, 2000, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency was expected to issue water quality guidelines identifying
environmental limits for nonylphenol that are protective of the aquatic
environment. This has not yet happened.
Major detergent suppliers do not use nonylphenol ethoxylates
in their household detergent products, favoring instead the more readily
degradable alcohol ethoxylates. With 80 percent of demand concentrated in NPEs,
only modest growth is anticipated for nonylphenol.
OUTLOOK
Environmental and health issues continue to cast uncertainty over the future of
alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE). Studies centered on the
biodegradability issue have produced encouraging results. Test results on the
endocrine interference potential of APEs are likewise positive, but research is
continuing. Nonylphenol prices are relatively steady, based on an oversupplied
phenol market. Growth is projected to be 2 percent per year.
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