Olin ends Mitsui joint venture, refocusing EDC strategy to reduce market exposure, expand chlorine derivatives, and strengthen vinyls participation.
Olin Corporation, a global leader in the production and supply of Ethylene Dichloride (EDC), has announced a major milestone in the implementation of its long-term strategic plan. The company, well recognized for its significant role in the chlorine derivatives and vinyls markets, is transitioning its participation in the vinyls value chain to focus more strongly on sustainable structural opportunities that drive value creation and enhance flexibility. This evolution in Olin’s approach was first outlined during its Investor Day in December, when the company highlighted its intention to reshape its EDC strategy and reduce reliance on the merchant EDC market.
A key step in this transformation is Olin’s decision, made jointly with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., to dissolve their existing partnership under the Blue Water Alliance JV, LLP (BWA). The partnership will officially come to an end by the close of this year. While the joint venture is concluding, both companies intend to maintain their close relationship and continue exploring strategic opportunities together through a more flexible collaboration model that better aligns with Olin’s evolving business objectives.
In a statement, Deon Carter, President of Olin Chlor Alkali Products & Vinyls, emphasized that the move marks an important step in strengthening Olin’s position within the vinyls chain. He noted, “This decision will accelerate Olin's commitment to broaden our chlorine derivatives optionality, reduce our spot exposure to the merchant EDC market, and grow our vinyls participation. Our partnership with Mitsui was an innovative alliance that connected the global needs of the industry during its tenure. We maintain a strategic relationship with Mitsui, a valued and important industry partner.”
The end of the BWA joint venture does not mean disruption for customers. Olin has assured that clients of BWA can expect a seamless transition, with the company continuing to deliver best-in-class services, strong trading management, and reliable supply across its comprehensive product portfolio. This includes not only EDC but also caustic soda and other key chlorine derivatives that remain central to Olin’s offerings.
By shifting away from a fixed joint venture model, Olin gains greater strategic flexibility to capture long-term opportunities in global vinyls markets. The company’s renewed focus on optimizing value, reducing exposure to volatile market dynamics, and expanding optionality across chlorine derivatives underscores its commitment to adapting in a changing industry environment.
This transition reflects Olin Corporation’s broader ambition to remain a resilient and innovative leader in the vinyls value chain, ensuring it can meet global demand while simultaneously driving shareholder value and supporting customers with high-quality, dependable solutions.
