Chemical trio advance elastomer JV in Thailand

Rayong, Thailand – Kuraray GC Advanced Materials (KGC) has progressed with the construction of a butadiene derivatives plant in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, with a ceremonial cornerstone laying event.

Headquartered in Bangkok, KGC is a joint venture company created by Kuraray Co. Ltd, PTT Global Chemical and Sumitomo Corp. last June.

Set for completion in 2022, the plant will produce 13 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of polyamide 9T (PA9T) and 16ktpa hydrogenated styrenic block co-polymer (HSBC) in WHA Eastern Industrial Estate, said a 3 Sept statement by Global Chemical.

With a 53.3% stake in the JV, Tokyo-based Kuraray will licence production technologies for the PA9T and HSBC products, which are currently manufactured by the company under the brands Genestar and Septon respectively.

Bangkok-based PTT Global Chemical will have a 33.4% stake in the venture while Sumitomo Corp. of Tokyo will own the remaining 13.3%, through an intermediate holding company.

A combination of rubber and thermoplastic, HSBC’s key properties include rubber-like softness, weather resistance, and recyclability.

Easy to injection mould when compounded, the material is suitable for a range of industries, including consumer products as well as the automotive and construction sectors.