- Kraton will increase SYLVATRAXX™ additive production capacity by 20% at the Niort plant.
- The expansion is scheduled for completion by Q4 2018.
- The Niort facility produces aromatic monomer resins and terpene-based resins.
- SYLVATRAXX™ products offer up to 100% biobased content.
Expansion of SYLVATRAXX™ Production
Kraton Corporation plans to increase the operational capacity of its SYLVATRAXX™ tread enhancement additives (TEA) by 20% at its Niort plant in France. This expansion is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2018.
Niort Facility's Product Range
The Niort facility has a long-standing history of supplying various products to the tire industry. These include pure aromatic monomer resins and aromatically-modified terpene-based resins, which have a higher renewable content.
Drivers of TEA Demand Growth
The growing demand for SYLVATRAXX™ products is driven by the tire industry's increased focus on safety, fuel economy, and sustainability. These additives are designed to provide an improved balance of wet grip performance and low rolling resistance, with up to 100% biobased content.
Future Expansion Plans
Kraton is also exploring additional options for manufacturing expansion to meet long-term demand growth in the tire industry.
