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Asahi Kasei to expand production of styrenic thermoplastic elastomer

| By Mary Bailey

Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp. (Tokyo, Japan; www.asahi-kasei.co.jp) will increase annual production capacity for hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS) by 30% at its Kawasaki Works site in Kanagawa, Japan, with startup scheduled for June 2016.

The expansion of performance polymer operations is a key element in the strategy of Asahi Kasei Chemicals. The company’s synthetic rubber and elastomer business has undergone proactive expansion focused on high-function and high-value added products. The company’s SEBS products are used in a wide range of applications, including plastic modification and adhesives, earning high regard from customers around the world.

SEBS is used as a modifier that enables polypropylene to be made flexible while maintaining transparency, and there are growing needs for flexible material as a substitute for polyvinyl chloride, especially in medical applications. Demand growth for this particular application has been centered in Europe and China in recent years. To meet growing demand, Asahi Kasei Chemicals increased production capacity for SEBS at its Kawasaki Works by 20% this spring. As continued demand growth is forecasted, the company decided to further increase production capacity by 30%.