Kao boosts U.S. supply with new production plant in Texas 

USA – Kao Corporation has officially opened its new tertiary amine production plant in Pasadena, Texas, with an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons. 

This facility marks Kao’s first tertiary amine plant in the United States and aims to enhance the stable supply of tertiary amines for the U.S. market, which is expected to grow in the mid- to long-term.

The new U.S. plant establishes a three-site global production system across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, facilitating a more stable and faster supply to international markets.

According to the company, the Pasadena plant sits on a 45-hectare site and took two and a half years to complete. 

Kao plans to utilize the site not only for tertiary amine production but also as a platform to collaborate with outside partners to produce derivatives, thereby strengthening the value chain and ecosystem. 

The move also improves supply chain efficiency and reduces transportation-related CO2 emissions, aligning with Kao’s environmental goals.

This new facility is a core part of Kao’s Mid-term Plan 2027, known as Global Sharp Top, focusing on sustainable growth by addressing evolving social challenges through key business areas. 

The Chemical Business division, which includes tertiary amines, aims to continue building the foundation for Kao’s global expansion and contribution to various industries.

Kao, which already possesses the world’s largest production capacity from sites in Japan, the Philippines, and Germany, leverages its proprietary technology to produce superior-quality tertiary amines. 

This move comes at a time when the global demand for multifunctional chemical intermediates is accelerating, driven by innovation in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable agriculture.

According to a report published by Grand View Research, the global tertiary amines market is valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of up to 5.8%.

Tertiary amines are used in personal care and cosmetics as surfactants, emulsifiers, and conditioning agents that enhance texture, stability, and antistatic performance in products like shampoos, lotions, and skin creams.

In addition, tertiary amines are vital ingredients in surfactant formulations used in disinfectants and cleaning products, where they enhance antimicrobial efficacy, emulsification, and overall cleaning performance in both household and industrial settings.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.