DuPont Opens Europe’s First Zytel HTN Polymer Plant

DuPont Performance Materials (DPM) held an event Oct. 7 to mark the opening of its Zytel HTN polymer production facility in Uentrop, Germany, a move that aims to boost the company’s presence in the polyamide industry and its ability to serve the European market.

Zytel HTN, a cost-effective, high-performance polyamide, is used as a lightweight material in automotive, electrical, and consumer electronics applications. Some companies are using the material in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

“The automotive industry plays a vital role in the economy of North Rhine-Westphalia and one third of Germany’s automotive component suppliers are located here. We welcome DuPont’s commitment to its European customers and see huge potential for innovation,” said Garrelt Duin, minister of economic affairs for the German state of North Rhine-Westfalia, where the new DuPont facility is located, in a statement.

DPM has operated in North Rhine-Westphalia for about 50 years, the company said, noting that its Uentrop site is its largest outside of the U.S. Last year, DPM increased production of Zytel PA 66 and PA 6 compounds by 20%.

“The new Zytel HTN polymer production facility is the first of its kind in Europe. Upgrading polymerization in DPM’s customers’ backyard reflects its dedication to working closely with European industry partners throughout the value chain,” a DPM press release said. “As Germany is one of the world’s largest automotive markets, the launch of local Zytel HTN polymer production helps consolidate DPM’s investment in the region and gets close to the European automotive value chain players.”

DPM is a leader in thermoplastics, elastomers, polymers made from renewable materials, resins, modifiers, and high-performance parts and shapes.

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