Invista, a worldwide producer of nylon intermediates and fibers, has received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau for a 215,000-ton per year hexamethylene diamine (HMD) plant at the Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park.

Invista has fully authorized construction of the plant and expects to commence production in 2015. This marks a significant milestone for Invista’s planned investments to create an integrated nylon 6,6 intermediates and polymer asset in the region.

When production comes on line, Invista’s global HMD enterprise will be well-positioned to serve the rapidly growing Asia Pacific markets for a variety of nylon 6,6 applications, as well as high performance polyurethanes.

“This new plant will give INVISTA and its customers a significant competitive advantage,” says Steve Kromer, Invista senior vice president, responsible for implementation of Invista’s integrated nylon 6,6 intermediates investment strategy in Asia. “With new local production, the plant will facilitate the growing needs of our Asia businesses and strengthen our position in the region.”

The new plant will be the most energy efficient HMD facility in the world, according to Kromer. It underscores Invista’s continuing focus on improving energy efficiency, minimizing environmental impact and developing innovative technologies.

Invista is also working on the next phases of its China investments in nylon 6,6, including facilities to produce ADN using its proprietary technology, nylon 6,6 polymer, and engineering polymer compounds.

Given Invista’s strong commitment to the Asia market, the company has invested more than $100 million in various projects in the region in the past 12 months, including a new Easy Set Lycra fiber production line in Tuas, Singapore, the expansion of its nylon 6,6 airbag fiber facility and opening of its China Textile Research Center in the Qingpu District of Shanghai. Invista has also helped start up some of the largest polyester and spandex intermediates plants in the world, with clients in China utilizing proprietary, Invista-licensed technologies.