Japan's Kao Corporation has launched a plan to expand its synthetic fragrance production facilities at its Kao Chemicals Europe division plant in Olesa (Barcelona). Specifically, it will increase the manufacture of methyl dihydrojasmonate (MDJ) or methyl dihydrojasmonate, a basic compound that provides a fresh fragrance similar to jasmine, and which is used in a wide range of consumer products.

The Kao Corporation aims to expand its share of the MDJ market, where it is already the market leader in the European Union. This market, the one with the highest demand worldwide, was estimated to be around 20,000 tonnes in 2021. European demand remained stable last year, but the Japanese company expects it to grow by 4% worldwide, and is therefore making this investment in preparation.

Versatility and compatibility
Kao has been producing MDJ in Spain since 2001. The compound can be used in a wide variety of products due to its excellent compatibility with other materials. The new production line will more than double Kao’s MDJ manufacturing capacity in Spain. Construction is expected to be completed in December of this year, so that production can start in early 2023.

The new facility will operate using unique technology developed by Kao, which reduces CO₂ emissions by 2,000 tonnes per year. It also reduces the energy required for wastewater treatment by eliminating saline wastewater, which currently amounts to around 850 tonnes per year.

The Japanese company emphasises its ethical values, which are in line with the most stringent environmental regulations in Europe, as well as its stable supply capacity, to explain its leadership in the European market and its goal to maintain and strengthen that market position. Kao's product portfolio includes over twenty brands marketed in Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America.

^{Photo: Kao}