Mitsui Chemicals Opens First European PP Compounding Site
- Mitsui Prime Advanced Composites Europe B.V. (ACE) was established in June 2018.
- ACE is located within Chemelot Industrial Park in the Netherlands.
- The site focuses on polypropylene (PP) compounding.
- Mitsui Chemicals Group operates production sites in eight regions and research sites in six regions globally.
Introduction
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and Prime Polymer Co., Ltd. have commenced operations at Mitsui Prime Advanced Composites Europe B.V. (ACE), a joint venture established in June 2018 with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Located in Chemelot Industrial Park, Netherlands, ACE is the Mitsui Chemicals Group’s first polypropylene (PP) compounding site in Europe.
Integrated European System
With the launch of ACE, the Mitsui Chemicals Group has created an integrated European system for research, production, and sales. This system aims to provide effective lightweighting solutions to automakers and auto parts manufacturers in Europe, while also addressing global demand growth.
Global Operations
The Mitsui Chemicals Group currently operates production sites in eight regions worldwide, including Japan, the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Thailand, China, India, and Brazil. Additionally, the group has research sites in six regions: Japan, the U.S., Europe, Thailand, China, and India. The group is enhancing its networks for high-quality PP compounds to support automotive lightweighting.
Market Outlook
Despite forecasts of reduced automotive production due to COVID-19, the global need for automotive lightweighting is expected to rise due to stricter environmental regulations. Mitsui Chemicals anticipates continued demand for PP compounds in auto parts like bumpers and instrument panels.
Technological Advancements
The lightweighting technologies developed by the Mitsui Chemicals Group have received positive feedback from various automakers, including those in Europe. The group aims to expand its production, sales, and technology services network to supply high-quality products and strengthen its PP compounds business.