On November 8, at the Phu My 3 Specialized Industrial Park in Phu My Town, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Japan’s Tosoh Group held a groundbreaking ceremony for Vietnam’s first MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) chemical plant. MDI, commonly combined with the white chemical Polyols to create polyurethane foam, is widely used in thermal and sound insulation applications.

The plant will cover an area of 12 hectares and require a total investment of 4.23 trillion VND. It aims to produce basic chemicals, specifically organic chemicals like MDI, with an annual production capacity of 125,000 tons, using modern and environmentally friendly technology.

According to a representative from the Tosoh Group, the MDI chemical production project marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first isocyanate manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia’s urethane industry. Among Southeast Asian nations, Vietnam, with its high demand for MDI and strong growth potential, is expected to play a central role in the group’s urethane business development.

Urethane insulation materials made from MDI have excellent thermal insulation properties, significantly helping to reduce CO2 emissions and promoting the development of Vietnam’s cold supply chain. Additionally, the availability of high-quality MDI will enhance the value of products such as athletic shoes, sports apparel, and synthetic leather, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s export industries.

Construction of the MDI chemical plant is expected to take approximately 1.5 years.