Global specialty chemicals producer Nouryon has initiated a planned maintenance shutdown at its ethanolamines unit in Stenungsund, Sweden, adding to the list of scheduled outages across Europe’s intermediates sector.
According to a source, the company commenced the turnaround on September 2, 2025, and the facility is expected to remain offline for roughly one month. While the shutdown has been reported by market participants, Nouryon has not yet issued an official statement confirming the details. The Stenungsund unit has a nameplate production capacity of 100,000 metric tons per year, making it one of the larger ethanolamines facilities in the region.
Ethanolamines, including monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), are key intermediates used in a wide range of applications such as agrochemicals, personal care, gas treatment, and construction products. Industry participants noted that while the planned outage was anticipated, its impact on market balances will depend on the extent to which European demand remains subdued and whether imports from Asia and the Middle East can fill potential supply gaps.
Sources added that the market for ethanolamines in Europe has been relatively quiet, with weak downstream activity keeping sentiment flat. However, should Nouryon’s outage extend beyond the expected one-month duration, buyers may face tighter availability, particularly in sectors like herbicides and detergents where ethanolamines are crucial feedstocks.
The turnaround underscores how European producers are timing maintenance to coincide with traditionally weaker demand months, minimizing the risk of sharp supply shocks. Still, traders and converters will be monitoring developments closely, as unanticipated delays or feedstock disruptions could quickly alter the region’s market dynamics.
