AkzoNobel headquarters building in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (File photo)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: AkzoNobel’s speciality chemicals business is studying plans to build a world-class plant for its Bermocoll business, which supplies essential ingredients for the paint and buildings and construction industries.
The study which is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 – is focused on creating a new facility to increase production capacity for ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose ether (EHEC) cellulosic ethers to help meet growing global demand.
A number of locations are being considered for the new EHEC plant, including options to expand operations at the company’s existing production sites
The Bermocoll range of products has been produced for more than 50 years and is today sold in more than 80 countries. Water soluble and virtually odourless, they deliver a number of benefits for water-based coatings, including improved viscosity, spatter and sag resistance, as well as better colour stability and hiding power. Within the building and construction industry Bermocoll is also used also an ingredient in dry-mix mortars, helping to improve adhesion, flexibility, water retention and workability.
“Demand for Bermocoll is growing strongly due to the rising consumption of water-based paint and continued growth in the building and construction industry. Building a new facility will enable us to support that market growth, giving our customers improved long-term supply security,” said Geert Hofman, general manager at AkzoNobel’s Bermocoll business.
“Bermocoll delivers excellent performance and provides important sustainability benefits for our customers as they are based on renewable raw materials. The expansion plans highlight the company’s strategy of growing with its customers,” said Werner Fuhrmann, member of AkzoNobel’s executive committee responsible for speciality chemicals.
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