GACL flags of first dispatch of Benzyl Alcohol and Benzaldehyde

Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), one of India’s main chlor-alkali corporations, marked a significant milestone on 5th July, 2025 by flagging of the first consignments of Benzyl Alcohol (BOH) and Benzaldehyde (BCHO) from its newly commissioned Chlorotoluenes plant at Dahej.

The flag-off ceremony was performed via Avantika Singh, Managing Director, GACL, virtually in the presence of senior officials of GACL.

This achievement follows earlier milestones, the virtual inauguration of the plant through Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra bhai Patel on March 29, 2025 and the first dispatch of Benzyl Chloride (BCL) on April 21, 2025.

GACL has established India’s largest Chlorotoluenes plant with an mounted capability of 30,000 metric tons per annum (MTPA). This strategic initiative objectives to improve chlorine utilization, a co-product from caustic soda by means of converting it into high-value downstream chemicals.

The progressive facility will produce 13,200 MTPA Benzyl Chloride (BCL), 9,600 MTPA Benzyl Alcohol (BOH), and 7,200 MTPA Benzaldehyde (BCHO). These chemicals are essential raw materials for the pharmaceutical, perfumery, flavour, agrochemicals, dyes, and solvent industries.

Avantika Singh, stated that the plant use of toluene and chlorine as number one raw substances and embodies GACL’s vision of integrated and sustainable chemical production. Once the plant operates at complete capacity, it is projected to create annual sales of approximately Rs.400 crores, which include export earnings of Rs.130 crores from markets in Europe, USA, and South Asia. The project may also create 150 – 200 direct jobs and 800 – 1,000 indirect employment possibilities, drastically contributing to the economic growth of Gujarat and the country at large.

With this venture, GACL reinforces its commitment to innovation, self-reliance and sustainable growth, in addition solidifying its position as a pioneer in India’s chemical sector.