Idemitsu Kosan : Aichi Refinery begins commercial production of mixed xylene

In August 2018, Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Shunichi Kito) began commercial operation for mixed xylene at its Aichi Refinery (location: Chita, Aichi Prefecture; Director: Atsushi Yamamoto).

Under its Fifth Consolidated Medium-term Management Plan, which calls for promotion of the fuel-to-chemical^* business, Idemitsu has made progress on installation of new equipment at the Aichi Refinery. The Aichi Refinery recently completed and began commercial operation of its mixed xylene equipment^*2. With production capacity of 170,000 t/year, this equipment not only will contribute to expansion of the petrochemical business but also will enable us to flexibly deal with changing supply and demand trend of petroleum products and petrochemical raw materials.

This product is used widely as a base raw material in products commonly used in everyday living, such as polyester textiles and PET plastic bottles. Plans call for selling it chiefly in Asian markets, where demand is booming (with growth of 5%/year).