Materials News

Eastman and Oxea add on plasticiser capacity

Eastman's product is used as a drop-in replacement for some widely used ortho-phthalate plasticisers that are experiencing regulatory pressure in markets globally. It finds particular utility in sensitive applications like toys, childcare articles, medical devices and a wide range of other consumer applications.

Oxea also has the intention to build a new unit in Oberhausen coming online in the second half of 2012. These significant capacity increases are meant to support the increasing market shift to phthalate-free plasticisers and to support the strong demand growth of existing customers. Oxea is a global manufacturer of Oxo intermediates and Oxo derivatives such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. In the 12 months ending September 2010, Oxea generated revenue of about EUR1.3 billion with approximately 1,330 employees in Europe, the US and Asia.