AkzoNobel expands organic presence in China

Expanding existing productivity ​

On 18th July 2017, Akzonobel announced its plans to double its facility’s production capabilities.

The speciality chemicals business is already working on a project to increase the Ningbo production plant’s capacity by 40%.

Following its current expansion, which is expected to reach completion by mid-August, the company is considering a larger scale development plan. If it gets the go-ahead, the manufacture of dicumyl peroxide (DCP), an organic peroxide used as a crosslinking agent to create polymers, will rise by 100%.

AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business is working on plans to double production capacity at its organic peroxides facility in Ningbo, China, over the next two years.

Industry calls​

“Demand for our products is growing rapidly and expanding our existing facilities provides a great opportunity to meet the needs of our global customers,”​ said Johan Landfors, Managing Director for AkzoNobel’s Polymer Chemistry business.

DCP is considered a strong, stable and durable peroxide, and is used as a crosslinking agent to produce a variety of durable polymers.

“By continuing to invest in our existing operations and focusing on operational excellence, we will be able to provide reliable supplies,”​ stated Thierry Vanlancker, Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals, AkzoNobel.

Largest in the world​

The Chinese DCP plant, which opened in October 2016, is the largest of its nature in the world. It contains a number of AkzoNobel’s Specialty Chemicals business units and employs roughly 500 people.

To further build its presence throughout China, the company is also developing a new organic peroxides facility in the northeastern Chinese city of Tianjin to improve its distribution and production capabilities.

Production methods​

Plastics Industry Association, which represents the plastics supply chain industry, states that organic peroxides are used to initiate polymerisation and are vital in the production of various materials used for the cosmetics and personal care packaging including polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fibreglass.

The Plastics Industry Association’s Organic Peroxide Producers Safety Division (OPPSD) provides a forum for industry representatives and personnel to discuss and resolve safety issues, improve communications, identify hazards relating to mishandling of organic peroxides, establish appropriate testing methods and develop safe practices — common concerns amongst beauty developers and buyers.