Recently, Mitsui Chemical announced that the company will significantly reduce the production capacity of toluene diisocyanate (TDI), a polyurethane raw material used in building materials and coatings. Based on this, by July 2025, the annual production capacity of the Fukuoka Prefecture Omuta factory engaged in TDI production will be reduced from 120000 tons to 50000 tons.
It is said that the demand for TDI in the Japanese market is decreasing due to the impact of Japan’s population decline and other factors. Due to the sustained demand for a certain amount, the factory will not completely shut down. Mitsui Chemical is considering establishing TDI raw materials for conversion into biomass and strengthening the recycling and utilization of materials.
Currently, Mitsui Chemical is implementing reforms, including restructuring and reducing the petrochemical business that is susceptible to market fluctuations. This summer, the company expects to stop the production of high-purity terephthalic acid (PTA), a polyester fiber raw material, in Japan. Mitsui Chemical also announced that it will sell its subsidiary in Singapore to a large British chemical company engaged in phenol production.