MOSCOW (MRC) -- Versalis (Eni), a major producer in the polymers and elastomers industry, and KBR Inc., a global technology, engineering, procurement and construction company, have announced they have entered a cooperation agreement for KBR to license Versalis' proprietary Ethylbenzene and Styrene Monomer Technologies (EB/SM), said the parent group Eni.
These technologies are used for productions in a large variety of applications including industrial and food packaging, household appliances, building insulation, electronic equipment, car components and toys.
Through this agreement, KBR and Versalis will offer competitive and flexible EthylBenzene and Styrene Monomer production technologies using Versalis' innovative zeolite-based catalysts and expert design capabilities. KBR will provide engineering support to deliver the license packages to clients.
Ethylbenzene is an organic compound used to produce Styrene, the main raw material to produce Styrenic Polymers, and for production of high performance Elastomers. Styrenics are exceptionally versatile plastic materials that are light, durable, highly insulating and provide good mechanical properties.
"This agreement is further proof of Versalis' solid technology background, acknowledged at an international level. The technological cooperation with KBR offers the opportunity to enhance our know-how and the value it brings," said Daniele Ferrari, Versalis CEO.
"This alliance reflects KBR's commitment to our core strengths," said John Derbyshire, KBR President of Technology and Consulting. "This is a great opportunity for KBR to expand our chemicals technology portfolio, providing innovative technologies that give our customers a competitive advantage in today's markets."
As MRC informed earlier, Eni will invest EUR125 million in its Versalis plant in Mantua to under the Group 2014-2017 four-year strategic plan. Versalis is an environmentally and economically sustainable plant which links the industrial areas in Porto Marghera, Ferrara and Ravenna via a pipeline. The planned investment will be used to optimise the plants industrial processes and produce further energy savings. Funds will also be used to expand the Group’s research and development into innovative products and technologies.
MRC