January 3, 2025 – Inner Mongolia Meibang Zhongke’s Tetrahydrofuran Makes International Debut in South Korea
Good news has emerged from the Hainan High-tech Industrial Development Zone, as the first batch of 14.4 tons of tetrahydrofuran (THF) produced by Inner Mongolia Meibang Zhongke New Materials Co., Ltd. has successfully departed for South Korea after rigorous inspection by the Wuhai Customs. This marks the maiden voyage of THF products beyond China’s borders, adding another biodegradable material to Wuhai’s export portfolio.
THF, hailed as the “universal solvent,” is a versatile organic synthetic raw material capable of dissolving all organic compounds except polyethylene, polypropylene, and fluororesins. Its wide-ranging applications span synthetic resins, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and more. Additionally, it serves as a crucial base material for producing polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) and polyurethane elastic fibers (spandex).
According to Color Masterbatch Industry Network, Meibang Zhongke’s project, with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons of THF and 1,000 tons of ionic liquid catalysts, commenced trial production in August this year. Remarkably, within just three months, the company achieved its first product export. The project ingeniously utilizes by-product alcohol-based mixtures from 1,4-butanediol (BDO) producers in Wuhai and neighboring areas, along with low-molecular-weight PTMEG from other industrial processes, to manufacture high-quality THF. This not only realizes the resourceful utilization of effective components in BDO industry by-products but also bolsters Wuhai’s efforts in developing a circular economy, precisely extending, complementing, and strengthening the industrial chain, thereby promoting green and low-carbon development of the BDO industry.
Looking ahead, Hainan District will continue to adhere to the development philosophy of “projects as the kingpin,” viewing project construction as a powerful engine and vital support for economic growth. By intensifying investment attraction, fostering industrial development, and accelerating project construction, the district is fully committed to tackling project challenges and facilitating industrial transformation. Furthermore, Hainan District will strengthen project implementation and service support, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of Northern Hainan through the “acceleration” of project construction.