Ashland Plans to Boost Hydroxyethylcellulose Output

Chemicals producer Ashland Global Holdings Inc. revealed plans this week to increase production of Natrosol brand hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) at its manufacturing site in Nanjing, China.

“Ashland Natrosol rheology modifiers have been the leading cellulosic thickeners for waterborne architectural coatings for more than 50 years,” Guillermo Novo, chairman and chief executive officer of Ashland, said in a company release. “Given the unprecedented demand and our customer-centric strategy, Ashland will build upon our previous investments in Nanjing and further expand capacity.”

The company said the additional capacity will enable it to better serve growing demand, increase global supply security, and demonstrate its commitment to Asia.

Natrosol HEC is used as a non-ionic rheology modifier in industrial and consumer-related applications. Demand for the brand is being driven by a shift toward more sustainable solutions like water-based paints and an increased activity in the construction and building industries.