Dow Declares Force Majeure For Acrylic Acid And Esters And DRYTECH Superabsorbent Polymers

The Dow Chemical Company and its affiliated companies in Europe (collectively "Dow") have declared force majeure for glacial acrylic acid (GAA) and esters production at their Boehlen, Germany, and Clear Lake, Texas, plants.

The force majeure at the Boehlen acrylates manufacturing site is due to an equipment failure in a critical area for acrylics production that resulted in an involuntary planned shutdown. Products affected include GAA and butyl acrylate.

Dow has also declared force majeure at its Clear Lake acrylates manufacturing site due to critical equipment failure, which resulted in a sudden and unplanned shutdown. Products affected include GAA, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, and methyl acrylate.

The force majeure situations at the Boehlen and Clear Lake acrylates manufacturing sites, compounded by a currently tight supply for acrylic acid, have resulted in Dow declaring force majeure for DRYTECH* superabsorbent polymers (SAP) at its Midland, Mich. and Rheinmuenster, Germany sites.

"At both the Boehlen and Clear Lake manufacturing sites, the equipment failures occurred in areas that are critical to acrylate production, necessitating that we shut down the plants until repairs can be made," said Doug May, global business director for Dow Acrylates. "Dow is working very hard to resolve the issues at these sites and remains committed to safe and efficient production of acrylates."

The force majeure situations for acrylic acid and esters and superabsorbent polymers will be in effect until further notice.

Acrylic acid is used to produce acrylic esters and superabsorbent polymers. Major end uses for acrylic esters include acrylic latex emulsions that are used in paper, paints and coatings, textiles, and adhesives. Superabsorbent polymers are used primarily in disposable diapers and other absorbent personal care products.