Lanxess Evaluating Feasibility of Asian Nd-PBR Plant
Germany’s Lanxess AG reports it is evaluating viability of building a new neodymium polybutadiene rubber facility in Asia. The company has already taken steps to increase its capacity for producing the substance, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of high performance tyres, at its plants in Germany, Brazil and the US. The decision to expand capacity at existing plants was made in order to meet demand in the “green tyre” market, which Lanxess notes has an annual global growth rate of about 9.0 per cent, making it the industry’s fastest growing segment. A study into the feasibility of a 100,000 to 150,000 tonne per annum Nd-PBR plant in Asia is currently underway, and Lanxess says a final decision on the project will be made within the next six months.