The aim is to further expand the production mix for highly specialized elastomers, especially thermoplastic rubbers, polybutadiene and SBR, intended for the rapidly developing tire and automotive industries.

The Milan-based company has already applied for approval from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security in order to start on the project’s execution phase.

Adriano Alfani, Versalis CEO, said the investment “is part of the broader specialization strategy of our portfolio, accelerates the development of high-performance products and for sustainable mobility,” as well as strengthening its presence in Ravenna.

In addition to producing monomers and elastomers, Versalis also has a specialist research center at the site dedicated to various projects, including developing rubbers with renewable or recycled content and new products for the high-end tire sector, with a focus on performance and sustainability.

For the period 2022-2025, Versalis plans to invest $120 million in redeveloping the Ravenna site.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist