Arlanxeo expands polybutadiene production in Brazil

Arlanxeo has opened a new 65-kilotonne per annum polybutadiene (BR) production line in Brazil. Angelo Brazil, the company’s LATAM regional head, says that this “state-of-the-art BR production line” is a “direct response” to growing demand for the material in Latin America. “Customers can rely on Arlanxeo to deliver high quality, locally produced BR for the tyre and plastic markets without needing to navigate complex global supply chains.”

This addition to the Triunfo petrochemical complex in Rio Grande do Sul complements other Arlanxeo investments in Brazil, including a new nitrile rubber production line in Rio de Janeiro and a new warehouse operation for polychloroprene in São Paulo.

Commenting on the new production line’s start-up, Donald Chen, chief executive officer of Arlanxeo, said: “Arlanxeo continues to invest in high growth markets, and our new polybutadiene production line reflects our confidence in Brazil and the broader Latin American market. We are delighted that the production line was constructed and commissioned safely, and we look forward to supplying our customers in Latin America with reliable, locally produced BR.”

Polybutadiene is produced by chemically linking multiple molecules of butadiene to form giant molecules, or polymers. The polymer is noted for its high resistance to abrasion, low heat build-up, and resistance to cracking, and is widely used to produce tyre treads, belts, hoses, gaskets and other automotive parts, as well as heels and soles for footwear.