On Monday, June 24, 2024, the plant was inaugurated by Acting
President Mohammad Mokhber, with the presence of Petroleum Minister Javad Owji
and Morteza Shahmirzaei, Deputy Minister of Oil and CEO of the National
Petrochemical Company.
Nakhle Asmari Petrochemical Plant, located at Site 3 of the Mahshahr
Petrochemical Special Economic Zone, aims to produce 31,000 tons annually of
acetaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, and pentaerythritol. The project, initially
started in 2003 and stalled in 2008 after completing the formalin pentane unit,
resumed in June 2021 and achieved 100% completion in 29 months under the
Thirteenth Administration, advancing from a mere 10% completion.
The investment in the Nakhle Asmari Petrochemical Plant amounts to $43
million, with the pentaerythritol unit projected to generate $20 million
annually in foreign exchange earnings. The plant will create over 400 direct
jobs and 800 indirect jobs in its first phase.
The pentaerythritol unit utilizes feedstock including formaldehyde,
acetaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, formic acid, and activated carbon. Methanol, a
precursor for formalin production, is sourced from another petrochemical unit,
while ethanol, a precursor for acetaldehyde, is procured from local companies
in Khuzestan Province.
The production capacities are set at 6,000 tons of acetaldehyde,
10,000 tons of paraformaldehyde, and 15,000 tons of pentaerythritol annually.
Pentaerythritol, a strategic product, is used as an additive and stabilizer in
pharmaceuticals, in the production of specialized paints, and as a key
ingredient in the manufacture of lubricants. Additionally, it is a vital
component in producing biodegradable plastic resins, which help reduce plastic
waste.
Nakhle Asmari is also planning new projects, including biodegradable
plastics and polyoxymethylene (polyacetal). These projects, being undertaken
for the first time in Iran, will produce biodegradable plastics (PBAT) used in
food packaging, agricultural films, shopping bags, mulch films, paper coatings,
and labels, significantly contributing to the reduction of polymer waste.
Polyacetal will be utilized in the automotive industry as a metal substitute
for components, as well as in electronics, home appliances, irrigation systems,
tools, and consumer goods.
The final products of Nakhle Asmari Petrochemical Plant are positioned
at the end of the methanol and ethanol value chain, representing pioneering
production in Iran.