Venator to shut down Duisburg TiO2 plant

TiO2 producer Venator Materials has completed a strategic review following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October and intends to implement a transformation plan, which has the support of its new shareholders.

Among other things, this will see 130,000 tonnes/year of TiO₂ capacity taken out in Europe, including a 50,000 tonnes/year plant at Duisburg, Germany (pictured). The speciality TiO₂ business will move to Uerdingen, although Duisburg will still make functional additives. The 80,000 tonnes/year site at Scarlino, Italy, will remain offline pending local regulatory developments and improvement in market conditions for its products.

“We will strengthen our TiO₂ business through enhancing our product and supply offer to our customers as we recover margins through pricing. In addition, we will also pursue opportunities to monetise specific additives businesses,” said CEO Simon Turner.