JV Opens New Polypropylene Compounding Facility

A joint venture between Japanese firms Mitsui Chemicals Inc. and Prime Polymer Co. Ltd., Mitsui Prime Advanced Composites Europe B.V. (ACE), recently opened a new polypropylene (PP) compounding facility in the Netherlands. The plant is the first of its kind operated by Mitsui Chemicals Group in Europe. 

The €18.4 million site at the Chamelot Industrial Park in Limburg features a production capacity of 30,000 tn/yr of PP compounds. Mitsui said the plant will supply lightweighting solutions to car makers and auto parts manufacturers with a presence in Europe, as well as other global customers. 

“While forecasts point to reduced automotive production volume around the world due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it is expected that the global needs for automotive lightweighting will continue to rise as a result of strengthening environmental regulations,” Mitsui said in a company release. “Mitsui Chemicals therefore expects that there will be no change to the upward demand trend for bumper, instrument panel and other auto parts materials employing PP compounds to meet these needs.”

In addition to the new production assets, Mitsui is also working to expand its research and sales capabilities for PP compounds. 

ACE was formed in June 2018 with Mitsui Chemicals holding 75% of equity. 

Mitsui currently operates production facilities in Japan, US, Europe, Mexico, Thailand, China, India, and Brazil.

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