KAWASAKI, Japan—Asahi Kasei Chemicals will increase annual production capacity for hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer by 30 percent at its Kawasaki production site in Kanagawa, Japan.
The startup is scheduled for June 2016, the company announced last week, adding that the project was part of its development strategy.
The company said the new capacity was being developed to meet the growing demand for SEBS for medical applications in Europe and China.
Asahi Kasei Chemicals already increased production capacity for SEBS at its Kawasaki site by 20 percent this spring.
“As continued demand growth is forecast, the company decided to further increase production capacity by 30 percent,” company officials said in a statement.
The company said that its synthetic rubber and elastomer business had a policy of proactive expansion, focused on high-function and high-value added products.
The statement said that SEBS are high-performance and high-value added elastomers featuring excellent weatherability, heat resistance, and anti-abrasion properties.