Nouryon to produce MMAO in Jiaxing to serve solar and automotive markets
- Nouryon will produce modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) at its existing Jiaxing, China site, with production planned to begin in the first half of 2028.
- MMAO is the aluminum‑based catalyst activator used to make polyolefin elastomers (POE) and alpha‑olefins.
- POE is used in solar panels and lightweight automotive parts, and rising demand in those markets is driving the move.
- Nouryon currently produces MMAO at a U.S. facility; its MMAO dissolves easily in production solvents and remains stable in storage, affecting catalyst efficiency and final plastic consistency.
Planned expansion
Nouryon is adding production of modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) at its existing Jiaxing, China site to meet growing demand for the plastics used in solar panels and cars. Production is planned to begin in the first half of 2028 and will serve customers in China and beyond.
Market rationale
MMAO is the aluminum‑based compound that activates catalysts used to make polyolefin elastomers (POE) and alpha‑olefins. POE provides strong, flexible plastics for solar panels and lightweight auto parts, and Nouryon says rising deployment of solar power and lighter, more efficient vehicles is increasing demand for those materials.
Product and business placement
Nouryon currently produces MMAO at a U.S. facility. The company notes its MMAO dissolves easily in production solvents and stays stable in storage, characteristics that support industrial‑scale use because MMAO quality affects catalyst efficiency and consistency of the final plastic. Within Nouryon’s Performance Materials segment, MMAO is offered through the Polymer Specialties business unit.
Source: Nouryon