Partnership gives Lehigh greater access to Latam markets

A new distribution partnership between Lehigh Technologies and specialty chemicals and logistic solutions provider Andes Chemical Corporation will expand Lehigh’s geographic reach into Latin America and give the US-based company increased opportunities to meet growing demand for its micronised rubber powder (MRP).

“Geographic expansion is a key component of our growth strategy,” said Lehigh Technologies CEO Dr. Alan Barton. “Andes’ reputation in the chemical industry along with its technical and solutions-oriented approach supports our technology strategy and facilitates our expansion into new geographies.”

Lehigh Technologies transforms end-of-life tyre and post-industrial rubber into new materials that are suitable for use in the production of high-performance tyres, consumer and industrial plastics goods, asphalt, coatings and construction materials. Stated benefits of Lehigh’s MRP are reduced raw material costs and an increased sustainability profile of end products without a compromise in product performance. Lehigh shares that its customer base includes the world’s largest tyre makers, and so far more than 150 million tyres have been manufactured using its MRP technology.

“Andes is committed to bringing innovative solutions to our customers, especially sustainable solutions that do not sacrifice quality, cost, or performance,” said Andes Chemical Corporation president Fernando Espinosa. “Lehigh’s technology position will allow the company to continue with this commitment. There are significant growth opportunities for Lehigh’s technology in the Latin American region.”

MRP is produced using Lehigh’s energy efficient cryogenic turbo mill technology, which breaks down waste rubber to micron scale powders. The Georgia, US-based company is privately held and backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures, NGP Energy Technology Partners and Leaf Clean Energy.