Versalis starts up Italian EPDM expansion

Ferrara, Italy – Versalis has started up a new EPDM production unit in Ferrara, northern Italy, where the company already operates an existing plant for manufacture of elastomers and other basic chemicals.

The Italian speciality chemicals company announced 12 Sept that the new €250-million project included the construction of a new production line and modernisation of parts of the existing elastomer plant.

The expansion project adds 50 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) to production capacity of the plant which already manufactures 100ktpa of elastomers.

The EPDM products, marketed by Versalis under the Dutral brand, will be mainly supplied to the automotive industry.

Thanks to their durable mechanical and elastic properties and resistance to ageing, EPDM materials have a wide range of applications, including in construction, roof insulation and automotive.

Versalis also renewed its “commitment to the development of the elastomer business”, saying it aimed to maintain its "leading position" in the global market.