- INEOS O&P UK announce a proposal to cease production of ethanol from its Grangemouth site in Q1 2025
  - All staff to be redeployed across the Grangemouth site if the proposal goes ahead

INEOS O&P UK (INEOS) are announcing a proposal to close the Ethanol Plant at Grangemouth in Q1 2025. The company will start consultations in Grangemouth site with its employees and the Trade Union about this proposal.

The decision comes after a lengthy review and is the result of a reduction in demand for ethanol in Europe combined with increasing pressure from imports of ethanol from other regions. This has resulted in the ethanol business at Grangemouth running at a loss for several years.

INEOS O&P UK CEO, Stuart Collings said, “It is never easy to close any plant and we are making this proposal only after a very thorough analysis. Beginning consultation now with our colleagues, means that we can begin to plan for redeployment and phase the programme for closure in a structured manner. All ethanol-based employees will be offered an alternative role within our business. Moreover, customers will be offered the supply of ethanol from INEOS’ other plant in Herne, Germany.”

Notes:

  - Grangemouth has one ethanol plant at Grangemouth, commissioned in 1982. INEOS has another ethanol plant at Herne.
  - There are around 44 direct employees involved in the manufacture of ethanol at Grangemouth from a total workforce in the INEOS O&P UK business of almost 1000.
  - Ethanol is an alcohol that is used extensively in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and sanitiser industry. We make our ethanol ‘synthetically’ by the addition of water (steam) to ethylene. Another route to ‘fermentation’ ethanol is to react yeast cultures with sugars or starches.

About INEOS

INEOS is a global petrochemicals manufacturer, comprising 36 individual businesses. We operate 194 facilities in 29 countries throughout the world, employing 26,000 people. INEOS makes the raw materials and energy used for everyday life. Its products make an indispensable contribution to society by providing the most sustainable options for a wide range of societal needs. For example, preservation of food and clean water; construction of wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable technologies; for construction of lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft; for medical devices and applications; for clothing and apparel; and for insulation and other industrial and home applications. In recent years INEOS has diversified with the launch of INEOS Automotive and INEOS Hygienics, acquisition of iconic British brand Belstaff and an ever-expanding sports portfolio. A blend of opportunism, belief that it can add value in pursuit of its core values and passion for adventure.

INEOS businesses have put in place the plans and actions needed to ensure that they lead the transition to a net zero economy by no later than 2050, whilst remaining profitable. As part of its greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy.