Shortly after acquiring US flame retardant specialist Chemtura, in April, Lanxess has announced it will expand capacity of the Emerald Innovation 3000 flame retardant production unit through debottlenecking, thus increasing sustainable output to 14,000 t/y from 10,000 t/y.

The move supports the switch by polystyrene manufacturers from HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) flame retardants to more sustainable alternatives, said Anno Borkowsky, head of the Lanxess Additives business unit (ADD), adding that about 50% of global demand has already adopted the new technology.

With global foam producers committed to eliminating HBCD use by 2021, the polymeric brominated flame retardant supply base must be capable of supporting necessary customer conversion and certification activities over the next few years with sufficient supply and technical support, said John Davidson, executive vice president of the EVP bromine solutions business.

The company produces Emerald Innovation 3000 at its El Dorado, Arkansas, USA complex. The business now belonging to Lanxess recently opened a pilot plant at its South Plant facility to support development of new and improved flame retardant products.