Armacell (Münster / Germany; www.armacell.de) has acquired the "PropaCene" business from foam manufacturer Cellect (St. Johnsville, New York / USA; www.cellectfoam.com), strengthening its market position in North America and adding environmentally friendlier foams to its product portfolio. In the medium term, the world's leading manufacturer of flexible insulating materials intends to introduce the PropaCene technology in Europe. The agreement also includes a licence arrangement for the worldwide sale of other Cellect products. Details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

PropaCene foam is based on polypropylene. Because physical blowing agents are used in the manufacturing process, less energy is needed to make them than with conventional materials, Armacell said. In addition, the thermoplastic material offers better recycling potential than, for example, polyurethane.

Armacell posted sales of around EUR 400m in the 2007 financial year. The company, which has 20 production sites internationally and 2,500 employees, claims to be a pioneer and groundbreaker in the production of new, green technical foams. "By developing or acquiring new manufacturing technologies, we have the capability today to foam materials that could not be foamed in the past. New process technologies enable us to offer engineered foams with improved properties that can be completely recycled. Indeed, our long-term goal is to develop alternative products to non-recyclable materials for a wide range of applications," said Ulrich Weimer, president of Armacell International Holding.