“The expansion of capacities in China is an important further step toward implementing our global growth strategy for PMMA molding compounds,” said chief operating officer Hans-Peter Hauck. “With the expansion of the capacities of the Shanghai plant and the simultaneous extension of the compounding system, we are significantly consolidating our strong market position in China. At the same time, we are also forging ahead with expansion in Europe with strategic investments in PMMA molding compounds.”

The company’s PMMA expansion in Worms, Germany, is scheduled to complete by the third quarter of 2023. A new 250,000 t/y MMA plant in Bay City, Texas, USA, is also expected to reach mechanical completion some time next year.

Röhm said it is the world’s only supplier of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and PMMA with downstream compounding in the three key regions of Europe, North America and Asia.

Separately, the Darmstadt-based company is developing plastic films using renewable raw materials. Branded Europlex, the films are based on polylactic acid (PLA) derived from sugarcane and have applications in various uses, such as packaging, decorative films and graphic panels.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist