LOUISIANA, USA — UBE C1 Chemical America, a subsidiary of Japanese chemical manufacturer UBE, has officially begun construction of a dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) production plant in Louisiana.

The facility, slated for completion in July 2026 and operational by November 2026, will have an annual capacity of 100,000 tons of DMC and 40,000 tons of EMC, strengthening domestic lithium-ion battery supply chains for the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle industries.

“The investment in this plant is the largest in the manufacturing facility in UBE’s corporate history,” said Masato Izumihara, President and Representative Director of UBE.
“As the sole DMC and EMC manufacturer in the United States, the company will achieve high productivity and supply products with very little waste and emission while also realizing various synergy effects with its newly acquired high-performance urethane systems business.”

Strengthening the U.S. Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain

DMC and EMC are crucial components in the electrolyte solvents used for lithium-ion batteries, which power EVs, hybrid vehicles, and other energy storage solutions. Additionally, DMC plays a role in semiconductor manufacturing, further broadening its industrial significance.

With growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, UBE’s new facility will contribute to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign-sourced battery materials and support domestic EV production.

Innovative, Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Process

The Louisiana plant will utilize UBE’s proprietary gas-phase nitrite process, which offers:

✅ Lower energy consumption than traditional ethylene-based processes
✅ Higher product purity and fewer by-products
✅ Improved environmental efficiency with reduced waste and emissions

Boosting Domestic Production & Sustainability

With this expansion, UBE becomes the only DMC and EMC manufacturer in the United States, enhancing domestic self-sufficiency in critical battery materials while ensuring higher productivity with minimal environmental impact.

The plant’s strategic location in Louisiana will enable efficient distribution to North American battery manufacturers, reinforcing EV supply chains amid rising demand.

Looking Ahead: UBE’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy

As the global EV market continues to grow, investments in battery technology and sustainable production methods will be key to advancing clean energy adoption.

UBE’s historic investment in the Louisiana plant aligns with broader efforts to localize battery supply chains, reduce emissions, and drive innovation in the next generation of energy storage solutions.

Originally reported by Nicole Willing in News Wire.