European Chemical Industry News & Insights

INEOS Styrolution to Build New StyLight® Production Site

At a glance
  • The new production site for StyLight® is planned to be operational in 2022.
  • Early development partnerships included NMF and NMB.
  • Recent partnerships with Roctool and ARRK Shapers validated StyLight for automotive interiors.
  • The investment is part of a larger program including new plants in Texas and France.

New Production Site for StyLight®

INEOS Styrolution plans to establish a new production site for its composite StyLight®, driven by increasing customer demand. Since its debut at the K trade fair in Düsseldorf in 2016, StyLight® has gained traction in the automotive, electronics, and sports industries. The composite is known for its structural stiffness, aesthetics, processability, dimensional stability, and near-Class A surface quality. The product line has recently expanded to include PP-based StyLight®.

Key Partnerships

Early development partnerships with research institutes NMF (Neue Materialien Fürth GmbH) and NMB (Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH) were crucial in optimizing StyLight®'s properties and processing. Further collaborations with companies like Roctool and ARRK Shapers have led to the full validation of StyLight® according to automotive interior specifications of leading car manufacturers.

Location and Timeline

While the new production site will be located in Germany, the specific location is yet to be determined. The site is expected to be operational by 2022.

Broader Investment Program

This new production site is part of a larger investment program by INEOS Styrolution. Recent activities include the acquisition of polystyrene assets in China, the construction of a new 100,000-tonne ASA plant in Bayport, Texas, and the development of a new 50,000-tonne ABS production line in Wingles, France. These initiatives underscore the company's commitment to maintaining its position as a leading global styrenics supplier.