VORONEZH, Russia—Sibur is increasing production of styrenic copolymer-based thermoplastic elastomers at its plant in Voronezh by 50,000 metric tons per year.
Through the expansion, the site, which already produces about 85,000 tons of TPEs per year, will see the addition of new grades for compounds and adhesives. These products, targeted for the roofing and road construction end markets, will enable Sibur to better meet the growing demand for TPE both domestically and internationally. Applications will include polymer-bitumen binders, which can more than double road-pavement life up to around 10 years, the company noted.
"With new capacities to be put on stream, Sibur will be able to fully meet the prospective domestic [demand]," Sibur's Managing Director Pavel Lyakhovich said. "On top of that, we will keep tapping into the European TPE market, with new grades set to boost our export potential."
Sibur did not disclose an investment amount, nor did it give a timeline for the TPE expansion project. Previously, the company invested about $70 million for a capacity expansion of similar size.
As the company works to expand the production of TPEs at the Voronezh site, it continues to move forward with the decommissioning of aging equipment and facilities there. For example, Sibur has recently discontinued latex production and reduced the number of rubber production lines. The vacated space is being used for the installation of new equipment and set up "advanced eco-friendly production," according to a company statement.