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Abbreviations
| TBHQ | tert-Buthylhydroquinone | 1,6-HDL | 1,6-Hexanediol | 1,5-PDL | 1,5-Pentanediol | DDA | 1,12-Dodecanedioic acid | | DDL | 1,12-Dodecanediol | HAS | Hydroxylamine sulfate | MEKO | Methyl ethyl ketoxime | 1,6-DDA | 2-Buthyloctanoic acid | | DMC | Dimethyl carbonate | PCD | Polycarbonatediol | DMO | Dimethyl oxalate | MAME | Methyl 3-methoxyacrylate | | PUD | Water-borne polyurethane dispersion | |
| |  | Coatings, Adhesives, Resins
(Raw materials for coatings, adhesives, and resins) |  | | | | Coatings, Adhesives, Resins
(Modifiers, Solvents, Initiators, and Inhibitors) | | | | | Electronic Materials | | | | | Flavors & Fragrances | | | | | Life Science Chemicals | |
UBE's fine chemicals business leverages diverse synthesis technologiesand advanced process development capabilities to produce a broad rangeof fine chemicals for a global customer base. Our fine chemicals offerdiverse functionality used for various applications such as coatings andresins, and in fields such as life sciences, health care and electrochemicals.
UBE Chemical Europe, S.A. (UCHE) of Spain manufactures and markets 1,6-hexanedioland 1,5-pentanediol (PDL) raw materials for polyurethane, and polycarbonatediol(PCD) as an added value product. UCHE also opened an R&D&I Centerin Spain in 2006, primarily to provide technical services to customers.UBE offers multifunctional fine chemicals including eco-friendly products,particularly in the field of coatings and resins. In addition, the companyhas made a strong commitment to green sustainable chemistry in order todevelop products that meet the needs of society.
Currently, UBE's core product in the field of coatings and resins is 1,6-hexanediol, which is derived from the raw material of caprolactam and used as a raw material for polyurethane. In addition to its application for interior finishing materials on luxury cars, 1,6-hexanediol is also used as a raw material for pesticides that have a low impact on ecosystems.
UBE's three products 1,6-hexanediol, 1,5-pentanediol and polycarbonatediol,the latter being used as a raw material for polyurethanes that offer higherfunctionality, are manufactured and marketed from two global bases inJapan and Spain. There is particularly strong market interest in polycarbonatediolas a critical raw material for improving the functionality of water-bornecoatings, driven by regulations concerning volatile organic compounds(VOCs) and demand for use in synthetic leather seat materials for luxurycars. These factors are expected to spark growing demand for polycarbonatediolin the future.
UBE Industries is leveraging technology for water-borne polyurethane dispersion (PUD) licensed from Industrial Copolymers Ltd. of the UK to target segments such as the market for exterior and interior automotive paints, which shows strong potential for future growth in demand.
UBE Industries is also the sole manufacturer in Japan of methyl ethylketoxime (MEKO), providing a stable supply of MEKO as an essential additiveused in electrodeposition undercoat paints used for automobiles. In addition,UBE manufactures dodecanedoic acid (DDA), which is expected to grow indemand as a hardener for automotive powder coatings that are leading theway for eco-friendly paints along with water-borne coatings.
UBE was the first company in Japan to commercialize the diphenol products, catechol and hydroquinone, and has established a strong track record and loyal customer base through many years of stable supply of these products to the market.
Polycarbonate diol plant operated by UBE Chemical Europe, S.A. | Catechol is used as a feedstock for pharmaceutical and agrochemicals and as a raw material for polymerization inhibitors of monomers. UBE also manufactures several derivative products from catechol and is the world's only supplier of high purity catechol, which is used as remover for semiconductor. In addition, UBE manufacturers and markets HeliofreshR, which was launched in 2003 as the world's first fully synthetic marine fragrance derived from catechol. The introduction of HeliofreshR as a fully synthetic marine fragrance has enabled manufacturers to switch from using traditional fragrances produced from natural ingredients and prevents further deforestation of an area equivalent to 100 soccer fields each year in helping to conserve the natural environment. Hydroquinone is used for photographic chemicals for medical X-rays, polymerization inhibitors of monomers and as a raw material for agrochemicals.
UBE uses proprietary nitrite technology for catalytic oxidation to manufactureand market dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a core product in the field ofC1 chemicals. Demand for DMC is expected to grow for applications rangingfrom its use as a raw material for electrolytes in lithium-ion secondarybatteries for devices such as mobile phones, PCs and hybrid type automobiles,to its use in developer for LCD manufacturing and eco-friendly non-toxicsolvents. DMC also has applications for biodiesel, which is a leadingcontender for use as a next generation fuel.
We will continue to provide these and other unique products. Through our strong commitment to conserving the global environment, we will leverage our diverse technologies and pursue innovation in order to develop, manufacture and supply products that have a low environmental impact and high environmental function. |
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