Lanxess invests in EPDM conversion in Netherlands facility

Global specialty chemical supplier Lanxess AG is investing EUR 12 million to convert 50 per cent of its ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber production in Geleen, the Netherlands, to Keltan ACE technology.

“Compared with conventional production processes, Keltan ACE technology reduces energy requirements for rubber production and it does not require catalyst extraction as a result of high catalyst efficiency”, the company said in a press release. “Furthermore, the process enables the manufacture of new EPDM rubber grades.”

EPDM is used primarily in the automobile industry, but also in the plastics modification, cable and wire, construction and oil additives industries. During 2013, Lanxess will implement the new technology at the largest of its three production lines, which accounts for half of the total production capacity of 160,000 metric tons per year in Geleen.

In addition, the company will set up a new headquarters in Geleen for its global EPDM rubber business, with a planned opening at the beginning of 2013.