In a major expansion project, Nouryon has doubled its capacity for dicumyl peroxide (DCP), an organic peroxide, in Ningbo, China. The former AkzoNobel specialty chemicals business, which calls the plant the largest of its kind in the world, said it can now produce up to 38,000 t/y.

Johan Landfors, managing director Polymer Chemistry at Nouryon, said there is an increasing demand for polymers that require DCP, for example in applications such as high voltage cable insulation for upgrading electricity networks and connecting offshore wind parks and other sources for renewable energy.

The Ningbo expansion is the latest in a series of investments the Dutch company is making to grow with its customers in the polymer market. It recently expanded capacity at Ningbo for dialkyl peroxide, another organic product, used in the manufacture of flexible products ranging from sporting goods to industrial cables, and has also announced or completed organic peroxides projects in India, Mexico and the US.

CEO Charlie Shaver noted that China and Asia are important to Nouryon’s future growth, adding that the company is committed to maintaining its position as a leader in the market for organic peroxides in Asia.