- Dow will start producing AFFINITY™ GA Polyolefin Elastomers in Tarragona, Spain.
- Production is expected to begin in Q1 2014.
- This will expand Dow's capacity to serve the hot melt adhesives market.
- The new production site complements existing capacity in Freeport, Texas.
New Production Site in Europe
Dow Elastomers will begin producing AFFINITY™ GA Polyolefin Elastomers (POEs) for hot melt adhesives in Tarragona, Spain. This marks the first time these elastomers will be produced in Europe, expanding Dow's capacity to serve the hot melt adhesives (HMA) market.
Timeline and Capacity Expansion
The new production facility in Tarragona is expected to come online in Q1 2014. This addition will complement existing production in Freeport, Texas, enabling Dow to source from two continents and better serve its global customer base.
Strategic Advantages
The investment in Tarragona will provide scale advantages and product flexibility, allowing Dow to meet the evolving needs of customers and the industry. It will also enhance Dow's ability to react quickly to market dynamics, particularly in end-of-line packaging and non-wovens for health and hygiene applications.
Product Benefits
AFFINITY™ GA POEs are designed for HMA formulations and various polymer modification applications. They feature high flow, low crystallinity, and low molecular weight, which enable faster flow in thermoplastic polyolefin blends, increased flexibility, and enhanced bond strength in HMAs. These attributes can lead to cost savings from reduced equipment failures, downtime, and maintenance.
