Wacker to build specialty monomers plant in Germany

German specialty chemical company Wacker Chemie AG is setting up a plant for specialty monomers with an annual capacity of 3,800 metric tonnes at its Burghausen site, Germany, involving investment of around Euro 8 million. The specialty monomers - vinyl neodecanoate and vinyl laurate - are key raw materials for the manufacture of specific dispersible polymer powders. The plant is scheduled for start-up in the second quarter of 2015. This new development allows Wacker to meet increasing demand for high-quality polymeric binders and strengthens its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of dispersible polymer powders.
 
Wacker aims to meet the globally rising demand for its dispersible polymer powders, which is driven by worldwide trends such as urbanisation, renovation and energy efficiency. With the construction of the new plant for specialty monomers, the company is creating the necessary capacity to independently secure the supply of key raw materials for the manufacture of the powders at its Burghausen site over the long term. The specialty monomers vinyl neodecanoate and vinyl laurate confer special properties on Wacker’s dispersible polymer powders, such as hydrophobicity.
 
“The construction of the new plant for specialty monomers is an important strategic step. It makes us more independent of raw-material price fluctuations and boosts supply security during peak-demand periods. In addition, it strengthens the position of specialty products in our dispersible polymer powder portfolio,” explained Christoph Riemer, head of dispersible polymer powder business at Wacker Polymers.