Japanese chemicals company Kaneka is investing around €15 million to expand capacity for Eperan PE and PP expanded particle foams at its Westerlo site in Belgium. The additional capacity is scheduled to be available in early 2019.

The investment adds to others in Thailand, Japan, China and Malaysia, as the company strives to strengthen its global supply network. Last August, Kaneka said it would build an Eperan plant in Rayong, Thailand, to meet rising demand in southeast Asia and India, mostly from the automotive industry. The company will spend approximately 2 billion yen on the plant, which will produce 3,000 t/y of the polyolefin foams starting in September 2018.

“Over the next few years, we expect that Eperan particle foams will continue to penetrate new markets and as such its demand will accelerate, both in Europe and in other parts of the world. By expanding the production capacities we respond to this increase in demand and strengthen our global supply position as a major manufacturer,” said Pierre Van Ravestyn, Kaneka’s executive officer EMEA & manager, global business development of foam & residential techs solutions.

Kaneka’s Eperan foams, which are 100% recyclable, are widely used in applications for automotive parts, packaging, construction, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), among others.

The Japanese company is also expanding capacity at Westerlo for modified silicone (MS) polymers. Around €34 million is being spent on a new plant, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018.