Japanese chemicals company Kaneka (Tokyo; www.kaneka.co.jp) has announced its intention to invest about EUR 15m to expand capacity for its “Eperan” PE and PP expanded particle foams in Belgium. The new plant to be built in Westerlo / Belgium, is scheduled to start up in early 2019. Kaneka said the investment adds to others in Thailand, Japan, China and Malaysia, as the company seeks to strengthen its global supply network.

“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, executive officer EMEA & manager global business development of Foam & Residential Techs Solutions.

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

The Japanese company is also expanding capacity at Westerlo for modified silicone (MS) polymers. The new plant, which will cost around EUR 34m, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018 – see Plasteurope.com of 13.06.2017.