PMC Biogenix, a developer and manufacturer of specialty chemicals from renewable resources, has expanded capacity for long chain fatty acid intermediates in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The company said the project was to support its recent expansion of fatty amide slip agents in South Korea.

Capacity will rise by approximately 50% for both erucic and behenic acids and double for C-20 fatty acids, with production being upgraded to the most current technologies. Last year, PMC Biogenix increased output of fatty amides by 30% at its facility in Gyeonjgu, South Korea, which it acquired in 2014 as part of its purchase of AkzoNobel’s primary amides business.

“Our investment in this new capacity underscores PMC’s strong global position in this segment and our commitment to supporting the growth of the global polyolefins market through expansion and continuous investment to ensure we are employing the state-of-the-art technologies,” said William Hayes, vice president of PMC Biogenix.

Slip agents are used extensively in polyolefins resins and films to overcome their natural tackiness and enable their smooth processing through converting and packaging equipment.