Bondalti Chemicals, a Portuguese chemical manufacturer, successfully started operations at its cutting-edge chlor-alkali production facility in Estarreja, Portugal. CAC Engineering of Germany constructed the plant and equipped it with Asahi Kasei’s advanced electrolysis technology. The facility reduces power consumption, optimizes material use, and sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the chlor-alkali industry.
Nine High-Performance Electrolyzers Installed
In collaboration with CAC Engineering, Asahi Kasei installed nine state-of-the-art chlor-alkali electrolyzers at the Estarreja site. The modernization project, co-financed by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan, marks a significant step toward greater efficiency and reliability. It aligns with Bondalti’s ambitious decarbonization strategy, helping the company meet tightening EU sustainability regulations.
Innovation Through Trial and Circular Economy
Bondalti will dedicate one of the nine electrolyzers to trial runs of new components. The focus will be on enhancing environmental performance, reducing power consumption, and optimizing resource utilization. Asahi Kasei will recycle used cells and electrodes from these trials into new components. This will reduce waste and promote sustainability as part of its commitment to a circular economy.
Technology That Delivers Performance and Reliability
As per the press release, the electrolyzers incorporate Asahi Kasei’s latest ion-exchange membranes and high-performance electrodes. These features offer improved efficiency compared to conventional products. By applying an electric current, these systems separate brine (salt water) into chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen. These are core building blocks for a wide range of industrial chemical products.
Leadership Perspectives
“The start-up of our new, state-of-the-art chlor-alkali plant was made possible by the expertise of our partners and the dedication of our people,” said David Lopes, Director at Bondalti. “This achievement reinforces Bondalti’s commitment to sustainable innovation and operational excellence, positioning us as leaders in responsible chemical manufacturing,” Lopes added.
Asahi Kasei and CAC Engineering on Collaboration
“We are delighted to see Bondalti’s new plant starting operations on schedule,” stated Yoshifumi Kado, Senior General Manager, Asahi Kasei. “By combining our system know-how with CAC’s engineering excellence and Bondalti’s operational expertise, we are pushing the boundaries of Europe’s chlor-alkali industry toward a more sustainable future,” Kado added.
Mike Niederstadt, COO at CAC Engineering, added, “The integration of nine new electrolyzers during ongoing production was an exceptional technical challenge. This project highlights our strong, trust-based cooperation with Asahi Kasei for over 25 years and with Bondalti for more than eight years.”
