MOSCOW (MRC) -- Еvonik has approved construction on a new production plant for high-quality flat films made from multi-layer polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), said the producer on its site.
To finance the project, the company plans to invest a sum in the double-digit millions in its Weiterstadt site. The plant is scheduled to supply the initial commercial film batches by the end of 2018. A number of new jobs will be created.
"With the investment we have now approved, we are strengthening our role as innovation leader for acrylic-based technologies and products," said Martin Kramer, head of the Acrylic Products Business Line. The new plant will enable production of extremely wide films with a previously unachieved number of layers. "This is an example of how we are putting our vision 'Evolution in acrylics is our passion' into daily business," says Kramer.
Multi-layered PMMA films are used in medical technology, window and facade construction, and in the graphics industry. As recently as mid-January, Evonik presented facade elements made from fiberglass plates equipped with a top layer made of PLEXIGLAS film at the BAU 2017 tradeshow. The thermoset resin and glass fibers are protected in such a way that the plates also have an aesthetically pleasing and brilliant appearance. "With the new multi-layer films, we can ensure the longevity of such exterior components for facades," says Michael Enders, head of film activities at Acrylic Products. The demand for extremely long-lasting and sustainable products has become increasingly important, particularly in the construction and architecture segment.
The new plant will also allow completely new film compositions. "We're expanding our offerings of custom-designed specialty films that offer not only our customers but also the consumers genuine added value,” says Enders. “Wider multi-layer PMMA films allow particularly long-lasting and sustainable products and offer our customers new design and processing possibilities."
As MRC informed earlier, High Perfomance Polymers Business Line within the Resource Efficiency Segment of Evonik Industries, Essen (Germany), is increasing the prices of its polyamide 12-based products by around 6%, to the extent permissable under existing agreements.
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world.
MRC