Albemarle Corporation, a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered and innovative specialty chemical products announced September 8 the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a strategic alliance with MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals, a leading global supplier of activated carbon. The alliance will secure a domestic supply of activated carbon to complement Albemarle's portfolio of total mercury removal solutions to the power industry and will launch MWV Specialty Chemicals as a commercial supplier to this emerging market.
The alliance creates a superior competitive advantage by leveraging the experience, capabilities and resources of two industry leading companies. Specifically, the new affiliation establishes an economical, high-performing domestic supply of brominated powdered activated carbon from MWV Specialty Chemicals, while capitalizing on Albemarle's position as an established supplier of mercury control solutions as well as Albemarle's position as the largest bromine producer in North America. Under the terms of the alliance the two companies will jointly continue to develop brominated wood-based activated carbons for use in mercury control.
"Albemarle and MWV Specialty Chemicals are both innovative leaders in creating viable emission solutions for industrial clients," said Sharon McGee, Albemarle divisional vice president of performance chemicals. "By combining our unique strengths, we will solidify our commitment of delivering a domestic, high performance, sustainable solution for mercury removal to our customers."
Unlike other U.S. activated carbon producers, which make their sorbents from coal or lignite, MWV Specialty Chemicals manufactures its carbons from wood. The company's high quality activated carbons are used for the world's most challenging purification applications, such as the demanding global automotive industry. Through a joint development program, Albemarle and MWV Specialty Chemicals have developed economical methods to utilize this renewable feedstock for power plant mercury capture, which further establishes Albemarle's commitment to manufacturing sustainable products.
"We are pleased to announce this cooperation between MWV Specialty Chemicals and Albemarle", said Bob Beckler, president of MWV Specialty Chemicals. "Our differentiated activated carbon technology, combined with Albemarle's leading position in mercury control technologies, will provide end-users with unique value in the growing mercury emissions control market."
Albemarle Sorbent Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Albemarle Corporation, supplies specialty brominated carbon sorbents, as well as advanced sorbent injection systems and is recognized for its effectiveness in helping coal-fired power plants control mercury emissions. In addition, Albemarle Sorbent Technologies provides full-scale site-trial services to aid environmental and operations managers in developing long-term strategies for compliance with state and federal mercury regulations.