World-scale Primary Production
AdBlue® (Diesel Exhaust Fluid, DEF, Arla 32) may look simple — a solution of urea in water — but the industrial process behind it is anything but.
Produced in large-scale urea plants, AdBlue is typically made as ‘hot-melt’: urea taken directly from ammonia synthesis and diluted with demineralized water in one integrated process.
Secondary production — dissolving solid urea prills — is possible, but only with Automotive Grade Urea and strict practices to assure the raw material quality and proper handling.
In both cases, the supply ensured thanks to the ‘fertiliser industry’. A global industry responding to global demand — including, increasingly, demand for
AdBlue DEF / Arla 32.
This may seem ‘technical’ but it matters. For drivers and fleet operators — who need AdBlue® a functioning vehicle. As well as for the public — who needs a functioning society, and clean air to breathe.
1.Availability
Drivers and fleet operators must get AdBlue®. Where they need it, when they need it.
- Global capacity. As demand has grown, the fertiliser industry has responded with high-purity production capability. Certainly, in mature markets such as Europe and North America. And increasingly in rapidly developing markets such as Brazil, India and Mexico to name a few.
- But supply cannot be taken for granted. Adverse regulatory conditions, gas price spikes and geopolitical shocks can pressure production.
As seen in Europe during the gas crisis in the early 2020s. Yara stayed open for business — keeping the wheels turning.
Tip: Don’t panic-buy. Shortages are usually local logistics issues, not true supply shortfalls.
2.Quality
AdBlue DEF / Arla 32 must meet ISO 22241. Not to satisfy bureaucratic formalities — but to ensure a functioning vehicle.
- AdBlue needs to be very pure to avoid problems that will severely damage the catalyst. Even small amounts of impurities can poison the SCR catalyst, block injectors, and damage the SCR aftertreatment system altogether.
- Not all urea is suitable. Most global urea is ‘agricultural grade’. It contains coatings and additives at levels incompatible with the ISO standard and must not be used to make AdBlue.
Beyond the primary production process, contaminants can enter at every point in the supply chain — from dissolving, via transport and storage, to the end-users’ AdBlue tank. Proper handling practices and compatible materials for tanks, pipelines, containers etc. are required to avoid contamination of the aftertreatment system.
The SCR system is built to last the vehicle’s entire life. In markets with high rates of off-spec product, catalyst replacement rates are alarming.
Tip: Always source from proven, reputable suppliers.
3.Security of supply
Reliability goes beyond production. It’s about “end-to-end” assurance that on-spec product is available through the full chain:
- Redundancy and logistics reach Yara has five primary production sites, almost 50 terminals and flexible routing. All of which reduce the risk of local disruptions.
- Wet-stock management and monitoring keeps tanks supplied and prevents runouts at customer sites.
- Packaging that protects quality and makes refilling safer matters, especially for passenger cars with smaller AdBlue tanks. The patented AdBlue pouch offers cleaner, easier refilling with less plastic waste compared with traditional canisters — supporting convenience and sustainability.
