Rhodia Expands Production for Vanillin

Rhodia (Paris) has announced the expansion of its diphenol production in China with the opening of a third manufacturing site in Zhenjiang, China. The new facility, set to open in June, will strengthen Rhodia’s position as a leader of diphenols, compounds used to product a range of products including vanillin, ethyl vanillin, veratrol, mono-methyl ethers of hydroquinone used in the flavor and fragrance markets. The company plans to use hydroxylation technology at the new plant, which makes it possible to synthesize vanillin using the “green guaiacol” route. This is said to be the most eco-friendly production process available and said to guarantee a high degree of purity in the grades of end products.