PTTGC Resumes Phenol and Acetone Production in Thailand

In a strategic move, PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), a subsidiary of the esteemed Asian petrochemical conglomerate PTT, has successfully resumed the production of phenol and acetone in November. This pivotal development follows a meticulously planned maintenance shutdown, during which the production line, boasting an annual capacity of 250 thousand tons of phenol and 150 thousand tons of acetone, underwent a temporary suspension in mid-October. As the plant gears up for a seamless transition into full-scale operations, industry experts anticipate it will operate at 80% capacity throughout the upcoming month of December.

Earlier announcements had divulged PTTGC's strategic initiative to temporarily suspend phenol and acetone production at the Map Ta Phut facility in Thailand. Initially earmarked for the first half of May, the scheduled maintenance activities experienced a subsequent postponement, with the precise dates for the temporary shutdown yet to be definitively determined. The facility, equipped with an annual production capacity of 250 thousand tons of phenol and 150 thousand tons of acetone, ultimately underwent a comprehensive maintenance regimen that concluded in mid-November.

Phenol assumes pivotal importance as a fundamental raw material for the synthesis of bisphenol A (BPA), a critical component in the production of polycarbonate (PC). PC, renowned for its versatility, finds widespread applications across diverse industries, further underscoring the significance of PTTGC's role in the global petrochemical landscape.

The genesis of PTTGC can be traced back to October 19, 2011, when it emerged as a formidable entity following the strategic merger of PTT Chemical Company and PTT Aromatics and Refining Company. The primary objective of this consolidation was to position PTTGC as the flagship entity within the PTTCG, a goal that was achieved with remarkable success. As a direct outcome of this integration, PTTGC's collective capacity for olefins and aromatics production soared to an impressive 8.2 million tons per year, complemented by a robust daily output of 280 thousand barrels of petroleum products. This strategic consolidation not only solidified PTTGC's standing as the largest integrated petrochemical and refining company in Thailand but also elevated its stature as a prominent player in the broader Asian market.

PTTGC's successful resumption of phenol and acetone production stands as a testament to its commitment to operational excellence and adaptability in navigating the intricacies of the global petrochemical landscape. The meticulous planning of maintenance activities, coupled with the strategic decision to temporarily suspend production, reflects the company's proactive approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of its operations. As PTTGC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the petrochemical industry, its recent achievements underscore its resilience and capacity to thrive in an ever-evolving market.