Kemira Oyj, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, expands ferric sulfate production line in Goole, UK.

Helsinki, Finland: The decision to invest in an additional capacity of 70,000 tons is a strategic response to the escalating demand for coagulants. This surge in demand has been largely influenced by the introduction and enforcement of the Asset Management Plan 7 and 8 (AMP7 and AMP8) regulations. These rules, which are part of the Water Industry National Environment Programme in the UK, have imposed stricter controls on the discharge of phosphorus and other nutrients from wastewater treatment facilities. The implementation of these new regulations represents a significant shift in the water industry's regulatory landscape.

As a leading player in the chemical industry, Kemira currently boasts an impressive annual production volume exceeding 350,000 tons of water treatment and other chemicals. This robust output is facilitated through four strategically located manufacturing facilities in the UK, namely in Goole, Ellesmere Port, Teesport, and Bradford. These sites collectively form a vital part of expansive global supply chain network, enabling them to efficiently cater to the diverse needs of customers in various sectors. The most recent manifestation of this commitment was the completion of an expansion program in 2021. This program was aimed at increasing the site's production capacity while simultaneously improving its environmental footprint. The successful completion of this program has not only solidified the company's presence in the region, but it also serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability.

According to the Senior Vice President, Commercial, EMEA & APAC, Industry & Water segment at Kemira, “We support our customers in meeting the tighter regulations and help them to optimize the chemistries used in every part of the water treatment process. This investment will increase our flexibility to utilize different types of iron raw materials which will further secure our strong supply service when demand increases. We are well placed to meet the growing future needs of the UK water treatment industry."

According to the President of the Industry & Water segment at Kemira, “Chemical treatment is the most effective and cost-efficient solution to capture and remove phosphorus from wastewater and to make it available for recycling. As one of the European leaders in chemical water treatment, we anticipate local and regional regulatory developments to ensure our customers stay ahead of the game. This investment will almost double our current production capacity in Goole and clearly demonstrates our commitment to the UK market."

According to TechSci Research, As the world's population continues to rise at an unprecedented rate, the demand for clean and safe water becomes increasingly urgent. This surge in demand calls for effective water treatment solutions that can address the growing challenges of water scarcity and pollution. Water treatment chemicals, with their vital role in the process, play a critical and indispensable role in ensuring that water is not only suitable for consumption but also for various other essential uses.

In the business landscape, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key considerations. Coagulants, a type of water treatment chemical, significantly enhance the cost-efficiency of water treatment processes. They perform a crucial function by causing contaminants to aggregate, a process known as coagulation. This aggregation of contaminants reduces the strain on filters and other elements involved in the treatment process. Consequently, investing in high-quality coagulants can be a strategic move that drives operational efficiency and bottom-line growth in the water treatment industry.