Bondalti Chemicals inaugurates advanced chlor-alkali plant in Portugal with Asahi Kasei technology, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and decarbonization.

Estarreja, Portugal:  Bondalti Chemicals, a leading Portuguese chemical manufacturer, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art chlor-alkali production facility in Estarreja, Portugal. Developed in partnership with CAC Engineering and powered by Asahi Kasei’s advanced electrolyzer technology, the plant marks a significant step forward in sustainable chemical manufacturing in Europe.

The facility features nine high-efficiency chlor-alkali electrolyzers, designed to reduce energy consumption, optimize material use, and support ambitious decarbonization goals. The project, co-financed under the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan, underscores Bondalti’s commitment to modernization and sustainable industry practices.

"One of our primary goals was to combine operational excellence with sustainability," said David Lopes, Director of Bondalti Chemicals. "The start-up of this new plant demonstrates our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and responsible chemical production."

The plant incorporates Asahi Kasei’s latest ion exchange membranes and high-performance electrodes to enable efficient brine electrolysis, producing chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen for a range of industries. One electrolyzer has been dedicated to experimental trials aimed at advancing resource optimization and further lowering power consumption. In line with circular economy principles, used cells and electrodes from these trials will be recycled into new components, reinforcing environmental responsibility.

"The integration of nine new electrolyzers during active production was an extraordinary technical achievement," commented Mike Niederstadt, COO at CAC Engineering. "This project highlights the synergy between technological innovation, operational excellence, and large-scale engineering expertise."

Yoshifumi Kado, Senior General Manager at Asahi Kasei, added, "By combining Asahi Kasei's system know-how with CAC's engineering expertise and Bondalti on-site knowledge, we are advancing the boundaries of sustainable chlor-alkali production in Europe."

According to TechSci Research, the launch of Bondalti Chemicals’ advanced chlor-alkali plant in Portugal is set to benefit the chemical industry by driving greater efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Equipped with Asahi Kasei’s cutting-edge electrolyzer technology, the facility significantly reduces energy consumption, optimizes resource utilization, and lowers the carbon footprint associated with chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen production, key inputs for numerous industrial applications. The integration of trial-based electrolyzers for resource optimization and recycling of used components further strengthens circular economy practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. Co-financing under the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan also highlights the increasing role of government support in accelerating industrial modernization. This project not only establishes a benchmark for environmentally responsible operations in the European chemical sector but also sets a precedent for other manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies that enhance operational excellence while contributing to long-term decarbonization objectives.