As part of a decision billed as “the first major UK investment to be made following the Brexit vote”, Ineos (Rolle / Switzerland; www.ineos.com) has touted plans for a multi-million pound capacity expansion for ethyl acetate (EtAc) at its plant in Hull / UK. The 100,000 t/y addition is due to come on stream by the end of 2017.

Ineos said the decision was prompted by high demand for EtAc, which is used in flexible packaging such as BOPP or polyester film, among others. The group added that the site in Hull is already running at full capacity, saying the expansion will allow it to meet demand from its European customer base for “many years to come.” Although Hull is located about 450 km southeast of Ineos’ site in Grangemouth, it will nevertheless also benefit from the company’s decision to import US shale gas to Scotland (for most recent coverage, see Plasteurope.com of 31.03.2016). Thanks to a pipeline between the two sites, Hull will be able to draw upon ethylene produced at Grangemouth from US ethane shipments.

Although the decision in favour of the investment was likely made some time before the Brexit vote, the company said it “reflects Ineos’ confidence in the UK economy and its ability to continue to deliver for its customers.” Group chairman Jim Ratcliffe added, “We believe in British manufacturing and will support it wherever we can.”