Egyptian urea producer Helwan has signed an agreement with SML-INNO UK to produce 130,000 t/yr of black urea.
Production is expected to start in 5-6 months. The agreement was signed on 18 February.
Helwan said that black urea, a slow-release fertilizer, should boost crop growth while using 25-30pc less nitrogen than conventional urea. The Egyptian producer did not provide additional details regarding the production process.
The project, which will target European and UK markets, is likely to cost $5mn. Helwan currently operates a 635,000 t/yr granular urea facility.