Spanish energy and chemicals company Moeve has won the Best in Class Award at Expoquimia 2026 for building and commissioning Spain’s first isopropyl alcohol plant, a milestone for both industrial self-sufficiency and greener chemical production.
Isopropyl alcohol, or IPA, is one of those quietly essential compounds that modern life depends on. Its antimicrobial properties make it a staple disinfectant in hospitals and healthcare settings. Beyond that, it is used across pharmaceuticals, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, optics, automotive production, food processing, and personal care. Until now, Spain had no domestic source.
The new facility is located in Palos de la Frontera, in the southern province of Huelva. It is designed to run on renewable energy and bio-based raw materials, and holds ISCC Plus certification, an internationally recognised standard for the sustainability and traceability of recycled and bio-based inputs.
The award was presented by Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, at the Expoquimia gala dinner. Moeve also received a second honour at the same event, recognising its broader business strategy and its shift toward green molecule development.
Álvaro Llanos, director of Moeve’s Intermediates Business, said the recognition reflected the company’s efforts to develop solutions that support decarbonisation and the transition to greener chemical production.
