Huntsman Adds TPU Manufacturing Capabilities to Illinois Plant

American specialty chemicals firm Huntsman held an event this month to mark the completion of a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) manufacturing plant at its Ringwood, IL location. The additional capabilities will support production of TPU used in paint protection film and security glazing applications.

“Demand for surface protection solutions, and specifically for paint protection films, has accelerated in the last few years. Once solely employed in the luxury vehicle market, films are now used to protect mainstream vehicle makes and models from chips, scuffs, scrapes, and UV weathering,” Trend Shidaker, global director of marketing, Elastomers for Huntsman, said in a recent company release. “It’s an exciting time to be in this sector and our recent investments reflect our commitment to the market and our customers.”

The completion of the facility positions Huntsman to strengthen its position in the TPU market and boost production of its KRYSTALGRAN and KRYSTALFLEX TPU portfolios. KRYSTALGRAN products are sold in pellet form to enhance paint protection in the automotive industry, and in electronic film applications, signage products, and helicopter and wind turbine blades.