Germany’s Wacker Chemie has officially started its new reactor for vinyl acetate-ethylene co-polymer (VAE) dispersions at Calvert City, Kentucky, USA.

In expanding its capacity by an undisclosed margin at a cost of around €50 million, the Munich-based chemical producer said it is meeting rising global demand for its VAE-based dispersions and dispersible powders and at the same time strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers.

“Our production complex in Calvert City is the largest of its kind outside of Europe, supporting our successful, customer-focused global growth strategy”, said Wacker CEO Rudolf Staudigl. He said high-quality VAE products are increasing demand in particular for formulating low-emission, eco-friendly products.