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Overview

Bondalti's Estarreja manufacturing complex serves as the company's primary production facility and represents the largest operation within the Estarreja Chemical Complex (ECC), which is the largest chemical complex in Portugal. The site is strategically located near Aveiro, approximately 30 kilometers from the Port of Aveiro, providing excellent logistical advantages for receiving and dispatching products.

Chlor-Alkali Operations

The Estarreja site houses Bondalti's state-of-the-art chlor-alkali production facilities, which recently underwent a major modernization project completed in September 2025. The facility features nine advanced electrolyzers using Asahi Kasei's cutting-edge electrolysis technology, constructed by German engineering company CAC Engineering. This modernization project, co-financed by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan, represents a significant investment in energy efficiency and sustainability.

The chlor-alkali process produces three key products through brine electrolysis:

• Chlorine
• Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)
• Hydrogen

One of the nine electrolyzers is dedicated to trial runs with new components, focusing on enhancing environmental performance, reducing power consumption, and optimizing resource utilization. Used cells and electrodes from these trials are recycled into materials for new components, supporting circular economy principles.

Organic Chemicals Production

Estarreja is home to Bondalti's aniline production facilities, where the company produces aniline and its derivatives using proprietary technology. The site has an annual aniline production capacity of 200,000 tons, positioning Bondalti as the European leader in aniline sales among non-integrated producers and one of the world's leading non-integrated aniline producers.

Key organic products manufactured include:

• Aniline
• Nitrobenzene
• Related derivatives

Estarreja Chemical Complex Integration

The ECC currently comprises five companies: Air Liquide, AQP, Bondalti, Cires-Shin Etsu, and Dow Portugal. This integrated model enables productive interconnection between companies, with products and raw materials transported via pipeline systems, creating significant operational efficiencies and cost advantages.

Bondalti supplies chlorine, caustic soda, and aniline via pipeline to its main client-partner Dow Chemical within the complex. This integration model allows each entity to focus on specialized activities while maintaining long-term relationships that reduce risks and waste.

Storage and Logistics Capabilities

Bondalti's storage capacity in Estarreja and Aveiro totals 39,000 tonnes for various chemical products. The site benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure including:

• Pipeline connections for major products and raw materials
• Rail and road tank transportation
• Port access through Aveiro (30km away)
• Proximity to major rail and road infrastructure

Green Hydrogen Development

Estarreja hosts the H2 Enable project, a pioneering green hydrogen initiative led by Bondalti. The project features:

• 40 MW electrolysis capacity powered by 100% renewable energy
• 5.5 kilotons annual green hydrogen production capacity
• Infrastructure for injection into the national natural gas network
• Supply capabilities for the mobility sector

Nel ASA has been contracted to supply the 40 MW electrolyzer equipment for this project, with production expected to commence in early 2026.

Energy Storage Innovation

The site features battery storage systems installed by EDP for renewable energy storage, representing a pioneering energy storage project in Portugal. This initiative supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the complex's operations.

Strategic Importance

Bondalti's Estarreja complex represents approximately 10% of Portugal's total chemical industry and serves as the hub for the company's export activities, with over 90% of production destined for international markets including Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, and other European countries.