In response to rising demand for its “Eval” EVOH resins, Kuraray (Tokyo / Japan; www.kuraray.co.jp) has announced a EUR 40m investment to raise “Eval” output at its North American subsidiary’s plant in Pasadena, Texas. The 12,000 t/y capacity expansion is due to come on stream in January 2014. Kuraray currently has capacity to turn out 35,000 t/y of EVOH at the site.

The Japanese group also operates a 24,000 t/y EVOH line in Antwerp / Belgium as well as a 10,000 t/y facility in Okayama / Japan. Thanks to its gas barrier properties, “Eval” largely is used in food packaging applications to offer better preservation, as well as for automotive fuel tanks.