AMSTERDAM — Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) will double production capacity for solvent-based organic peroxides at its Los Reyes, Mexico, site, enabling it to support the strong growth of the North American polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets. Completion of the expansion is expected by the second quarter of 2020.

Polyolefins are used to produce a variety of end products including films, food packaging and cables. PVC is widely used in the building and construction market in applications such as pipes, ducting, door profiles and window frames.

“Fueled by large investments in the petrochemical and polymer industry, the organic peroxides market is expanding rapidly in North America,” said Johan Landfors, Managing Director Polymer Chemistry at Nouryon. “We are scaling up quickly and building a regional production network that is flexible and resilient, enabling continuous security of supply to our North American customers.”

Landfors continued, “We are committed to adapting to dynamic market conditions and invest in production capabilities in North America to support the growth of our customers. The increased capacity will boost our position in the region and reinforces our leadership position in the global organic peroxides market."

The Los Reyes expansion is the latest in a series of investments by Nouryon to better serve and grow with its customers in the polymer market. The company recently expanded production capacity for emulsion-based organic peroxides at Los Reyes and started production of Butanox-branded MEK peroxides at Pasadena, Texas. Another expansion project at Los Reyes is due to be completed this year. Several projects have also been announced or completed in Asia.