Lanxess starts up newly expanded cresol plant

Specialty chemicals company Lanxess (Cologne, Germany; www.lanxess.com) has completed the expansion of its cresol production plant in Leverkusen, Germany, and has now begun operating a newly constructed reaction system as well as a second distillation column. The expansion increases capacity for this high-quality intermediate for the global market by some 20%. Lanxess has invested around €20 million in the new units. Agrochemicals are among the fields of application for cresols. They are also used in the manufacture of vitamin E, aroma chemicals, resins and flame-retardants.