Nouryon completed a €20 million project at Sundsvall, Sweden that significantly raises production capacity for its Expancel expandable microspheres. These are used to enhance the properties of products ranging from shoe soles and food packaging to wind turbines.

“Expancel demand is growing fast as we develop new applications to fulfil customer needs,” said Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, director Expancel at Nouryon. “Examples include underbody coatings, weather strips and repair putty for the automotive market, and sealants, floorings and elastomeric cool roof coatings for the construction market.”

Expancel microspheres are used as a lightweight filler and a blowing agent to make end products lighter, create attractive textures, protect against damage or shield against the elements. At the same time it also reduces costs as less raw material is needed.

Nouryon is the leading producer of expandable microspheres. The company recently announced that it would invest in a new world-scale Expancel plant in the US, subject to final board approval.

“These projects reflect our commitment to meet growing demand and grow successfully alongside our customers around the world,” said Niek Stapel, managing director Pulp and Performance Chemicals at Nouryon. “Expanding our capacity will significantly strengthen our leadership position in expandable microspheres.”