INEOS Inovyn has agreed to acquire the UK’s only ethylene dichloride (EDC) production asset at Runcorn, Cheshire, in a deal intended to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s chlor-alkali supply chain.
The agreement includes the assets and employees associated with EDC production at Runcorn, together with the remaining 50% shareholding in Runcorn MCP Limited held by Vynova Runcorn Limited.
Vynova Runcorn entered administration in 2025. Subject to the necessary legal and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to complete later this year and will bring the chlor-alkali and EDC operations at the site fully under INEOS Inovyn. The acquisition is intended to provide greater continuity of supply for strategically important chemicals used across UK industry and infrastructure.
Runcorn is a key part of the UK’s chlor-alkali industry, with around 98% of the chlorine used in drinking water treatment supplied from the site. Chlorine and related products are also used in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and construction.
Stephen Dossett, CEO of INEOS Inovyn, said the agreement demonstrated the company’s confidence in the long-term future of the Runcorn site and its workforce.
“Chlor-alkali products are essential to modern life, supporting safe drinking water, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and the materials that underpin housing and critical infrastructure,” he said.
“This acquisition is an important step in strengthening the UK’s national resilience.”
The transaction will integrate the chlor-alkali and EDC value chain under INEOS Inovyn, with the company arguing that bringing the operations together will strengthen the site’s long-term future while enhancing security of supply for customers. EDC is an important intermediate in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is subsequently used to manufacture PVC. PVC is widely used in construction and infrastructure applications, including pipes, cables and building products.
The deal comes as the UK seeks to strengthen domestic industrial capability and reduce vulnerabilities in strategically important supply chains.
INEOS Inovyn said maintaining a resilient chlor-alkali industry is particularly important because its products underpin essential services and a broad range of downstream manufacturing activities.
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval and other legal processes, with completion expected later in 2026.
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