Essential Materials

KBR has been the trusted partner in delivering technology solutions for safe and efficient production of essential materials for over 50 years

Our portfolio includes technologies essential to modern life, such as downstream propylene solutions for phenol production, BPA synthesis, propylene oxide by cumene, and acetyls value chain solutions for acetic acid manufacturing and vinyl acetate monomer synthesis. KBR also offers technology for PVC processing, among others.

With KBR’s evolving innovation and operational excellence, these technologies provide promising solutions to meet evolving market demands and environmental standards. The KBR team is committed to the continuous development of our technologies to fit sustainable future needs.

Phenolics Technologies

KBR is the leading licensor of phenol and acetone in the world. For decades, we have supported chemical plants in meeting the diverse and complex demands of the industry and helped them stay ahead in an increasingly competitive space.

Acetyls Technologies

KBR’s Acetyls technologies deliver high yields and low operating costs, making them a competitive solution for the growing demand in the acetyl value chain. The versatility of acetyls, such as acetic acid, supports the production of high-margin “green” derivatives, including low VOC emulsions and EVA resins for solar panels.

PVC

KBR's technology offers the lowest environmental footprint for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

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ATA

KBR's Advanced Trans-Alkylation (ATA) process uses best-in-class transalkylation catalyst to convert toluene and low-value heavy aromatics to benzene and mixed xylenes.

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Hear more about KBR’s Essential Materials portfolio from Lily Tang, Director, Essential Materials

Related news

KBR and Sumitomo Chemical Form Technology Licensing Alliance for Sustainable Propylene Oxide Production

May 2024 – KBR and Sumitomo Chemical announced today that they have signed an alliance agreement to make KBR an exclusive licensing partner for Sumitomo Chemical's state-of-the-art propylene oxide by cumene (POC) technology.

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KBR Proprietary Technology Selected to Produce Eco-Friendly Paints

January 2023 – KBR announced today that its proprietary Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) technology has been selected by Asian Paints Limited for a grassroots production facility in India.

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KBR Sets Record for Fastest Phenol, Acetone Technology Start-up

October 2023 – KBR, the world's leading supplier of phenol and acetone technology, signed an agreement with Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. to provide technology to build a 650 KTA phenol/acetone plant in Yantai City, Shandong Province in China.

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KBR’s Phenol Technology Selected by SABIC Fujian Petrochemicals

April 2024 – KBR announced today it has been awarded a contract by SABIC Fujian Petrochemicals to license KBR's market-leading phenol technology in China.

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Advanced VAM Technology Selected by Yulin Chemical

December 2024 – KBR won a contract for its advanced Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) technology from Yulin Chemical Co., Ltd. (Yulin Chemical) for its production facility in Shaanxi Province, China. KBR’s VAM technology is offered in alliance with Resonac Corporation, based in Japan.

KBR to Provide Phenol Technology for Sinopec’s New Energy-Efficient Plant

October 2024 – KBR has been awarded a contract by Sinopec Hunan Petrochemical Co., Ltd. for a phenol and acetone production facility in Yueyang, Hunan in China.

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