Mitsui Chemicals to Increase Polyurethane Production Capacity

Mitsui Chemicals Expanding Production Capacity for TAKELAC™ Polyurethane Dispersions Mitsui Chemicals announced that it will increase polyurethane dispersion (PUD) production capacity to meet rising demand for mono-material food packaging, driven by growing sustainability needs. Specifically, the company will expand PUD production facilities at its Shimizu Plant. This move is expected to approximately double local production capacity. TAKELAC™ PUDs are water-based resins offering excellent heat resistance, high-temperature gas barrier performance and rub fastness. As environmentally friendly products, they are widely used in paints and coatings, adhesives, binders, resin modifiers, sizing agents and textile processing sectors. Rising sustainability requirements in recent years have led to increased demand for TAKELAC™ PUDs as barrier coating materials for use in recyclable mono-material food packaging, particularly in Europe. With demand for mono-material packaging expected to continue growing, Mitsui Chemicals seeks to proactively strengthen its supply network in response.

Production Capacity to Double

According to the company announcement, PUD production capacity at the Shimizu Plant will be doubled from current levels. Work on this expansion is expected to begin in February 2024. The expansion work is estimated to be completed by June 2025. Source