AMSTERDAM — Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) has started production of a new version of its dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO), Perkadox GB-50, at a site in Los Reyes, Mexico. It is the first dry BPO on the market that does not use the desensitizing agent dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), which the European Union recently reclassified as a category 1B Reproductive Toxin.

Perkadox GB-50 is used as a curing agent for road markings, flooring, elastomeric roof coatings, adhesives, chemical anchors and other acrylic composites.

“With GB-50, we developed a solution that addresses concerns associated with DCHP and meets our customers’ needs,” said Johan Landfors, Managing Director Polymer Chemistry at Nouryon. “We introduced the new formulation in 2018 and experienced significant global interest. Completing the Los Reyes expansion project ensures that we can meet growth in future market demand.”

The expansion and upgrade project at Los Reyes, including construction of a facility to make the new peroxide, involved investment of more than €12 million.

Ricardo Castanedo, Los Reyes Site Manager and Country Director Mexico at Nouryon, said, “Los Reyes has benefitted greatly from Nouryon’s commitment to the site. Over the past year, we have hired more than 100 additional staff to support our expansion and to ensure that we can continue to provide industry-leading support to our growing list of customers.”