Kaneka to enhance its production capabilities of expanded polyolefin foam in Westerlo, Belgium

Westerlo, Belgium – January 17, 2018 – Kaneka Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), increases its production capacities of polyethylene and polypropylene expanded particle foams (product name: Eperan™ and Eperan™-PP) in Europe at its Kaneka Belgium plant, located in Westerlo.

The production expansion of Kaneka Belgium NV for expanded polyolefin foams will involve an investment of about 15 million euro. The project includes the construction of additional state-of-the-art facilities with optimal process controllability, enabling high-end product innovations. Full operation of the new production facility is scheduled for early 2019. With this new investment in Europe, aligned with the investment in Thailand and the existing plant sites in Japan, China, and Malaysia, Kaneka Corporation will further strengthen its global supply structure.

Eperan™ and Eperan™-PP feature excellent shock absorption, structural strength, chemical resistance and formability. Thanks to these excellent properties and their innovative portfolio, Kaneka’s particle foams are widely used in applications for automotive parts, packaging, construction, HVAC, and many others. Moreover, the ecologically sound character of the product, being a 100% recyclable product, is highly valued on international markets.

“Over the next few years, we expect that Eperan particle foams will continue to penetrate new markets and as such its demand will accelerate, both in Europe and in other parts of the world. By expanding the production capacities we respond to this increase in demand and strengthen our global supply position as a major manufacturer,” explains Pierre Van Ravestyn, Executive Officer EMEA & Manager Global Business Development of Foam & Residential Techs Solutions Vehicle. “As our foam technology continues to evolve, we foresee a bright future for it and remain committed to offering our customers innovative solutions that will enable them to develop lighter, safer and more competitive materials,” underlines Van Ravestyn.

About Kaneka Belgium NV

Founded in 1970, Kaneka Belgium NV was the first overseas subsidiary of the Japanese chemical company Kaneka Corporation. Traditionally Kaneka Belgium has been active in the field of functional and foamed plastics. Headquarters and plant are located in Westerlo, Belgium where three production sites are operational for high performance MBS and acrylic polymers (Kane Ace™), liquid polymers (Kaneka MS Polymer™) and lightweight expandable plastics (Eperan™ and Eperan™-PP). By embracing research and science, its innovative solutions aim to contribute to enriching people’s lives.

About Kaneka Corporation

Kaneka Corporation, established in 1949, is a leading technology-driven chemical company, headquartered in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. Kaneka provides diversified products, globally supported by a worldwide manufacturing and marketing organization. Its business activities span a broad spectrum of markets, ranging from chemicals, food products, synthetic fibers, and life science to electrical and electronic materials. Kaneka Corporation has overseas subsidiaries in Belgium, Germany, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and South-Korea. To strengthen its governance systems, Kaneka has three regional holding companies in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Worldwide, Kaneka employs 9,500 people.

For more information, please visit

http://www.kaneka.be

http://www.kaneka.co.jp

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