DSM announces 4-month summer shutdown to upgrade China vitamin C facility

03 May 2018 --- DSM is to shut down its vitamin C facility in Jiangshan, China, to implement an extensive series of upgrades aimed at improving quality, safety, sustainability and production efficiencies at the site. The prolonged shutdown will start in July and is expected to take four months. DSM has assured the security of supply of vitamin C to its contracted customers during the shutdown.

“DSM Jiangshan has a summer shutdown each year to allow for maintenance and upgrades. This year’s shutdown is extended to allow for a more extensive package of upgrades to be implemented in quality, safety, sustainability and production efficiencies. We have prepared for this shutdown well in advance,” André van der Elsen, External Relations EMEA/NL at DSM, tells NutritionInsight. “We have ensured supply to cover our contracted commitments. We don’t disclose financial details, ergo details on capacity. This is a scheduled stop so included in our guidance. DSM assures the security of supply of vitamin C to its contracted customers, also during the shutdown.”

In Jiangshan, the company is seeking to further improve the ESG performance in line with global DSM standards, that include further lowering of emissions such as SOs, NOx and VOC.

The upgrades not only contribute to DSM's sustainability strategy but also proactively address the Chinese Government’s “Green China, Beautify Country” policy (also known as “Blue Skies” policy) and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable development in Jiangsu province.

“As a responsible corporate citizen in China and having had a presence here since 1963, we are aligned with all local environmental policies and laws that govern how we operate from a footprint, operational and business perspective. Sustainability is a key differentiator and business driver for DSM. It guides our strategic decisions & actions, our business directions and our daily operations,” van der Elsen notes.

“China’s government is stepping up the enforcement of its environmental regulations, addressing air, soil and water pollution and is setting significantly higher standards, including standards for vitamin manufacturers. In general, the Blue Skies policies impact the manufacturing industry in China broad. Industry standards are rapidly evolving in China and all competitors will be challenged to meet them. That includes vitamin C production and enables DSM to benefit somewhat from the effects of ‘Blue Skies policies’ in China,” he concludes.

“As part of our drive for sustainability, we are constantly lowering our footprint, both in our production processes as for our customers through the products we make, DSM’s Brighter Living Solutions. Brighter Living Solutions differentiate DSM through their positive impact on society and the environment. Brighter Living Solutions are products and services that have specific environmental or social benefits compared to mainstream reference solutions. The benefit can be identified in one or more stages of the product lifecycle: from raw materials through the manufacturing process and use phase to potential re-use and end-of-life disposal,” he concludes.

By Lucy Gunn