Dow has been keeping a close eye on the sub-Saharan African region and is well aware that the use of polyurethanes is increasing and there's a need to supply sophisticated and innovative products. "Dow is explicitly optimistic about its contribution to the growing South African economy with polyurethane innovations that impact customers, markets and society," says Jonathan Penrice, global vice-president of Dow Polyurethanes.
"According to our global credo, 'Innovating for You', we believe that our differentiated solutions can help move the needle to improve people's lives everywhere." Beneficiaries of this include the furniture and bedding, construction, energy, refrigerated transportation and appliances industries that use polyurethane chemistry to improve product performance.
The company is expecting the Sadara complex in the Middle East to start supplying polyurethane building blocks as of late 2016. The supply from Sadara will give sub-Saharan Africa access to more polyurethane materials needed to grow the construction, cold chain, furniture and bedding markets in the region. "With Dow Polyurethanes expanding its presence in South Africa, the region will have a growing sales team and more capabilities as we now have a dedicated systems house at the Durban site," Penrice adds.
The timing of the inauguration couldn't be more perfect as South Africa's energy challenges continue to impact the economy, businesses and households. "The local needs for more energy efficient houses and food transportation in order to conserve energy can be met with our global innovations tailored to local market needs," says Mohammed Sami, commercial leader of sub-Saharan Africa for Dow Polyurethanes.
"We are convinced polyurethane solutions can make a difference and deliver solutions for challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. For example, highly efficient and practical insulation materials for homes, buildings, refrigerated trucks and supermarket shelves that reduce energy consumption, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions - all at the same time."
In support of insulation materials, South Africa's power utility Eskom encourages the construction industry to build energy efficient homes. On its 'Insulation in buildings: residential homes and commercial buildings' report, Eskom says that with electricity costs rising, energy efficiency is also becoming a priority for property and home owners. An insulated room requires 51% less energy to heat up than one that isn't. Using polyurethanes as an insulation material will save costs for both business and households.
With the inauguration of the Polyurethane Systems house, Dow also celebrated its first production batch in August. "Our new manufacturing capacity enables the leverage of global innovation locally," says Sami. "Customers are looking forward to bringing more comfortable, high-performing and energy-efficient materials to a strategic growth market."
