Mitsui Chemicals Launches First European Production of PP Compounds in the Netherlands
Operations at Brightlands Chemelot Campus will serve growing demand from automotive industry for lightweight materials
Japan-based Mitsui Chemicals Group has launched production of polypropylene plastic (PP) compounds at Mitsui Prime Advanced Composites Europe (ACE) in the Netherlands. Located at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus industrial park, ACE marks the Mitsui Chemicals Group’s first PP compounding site in Europe.
Mitsui’s new production plant will serve the growing demand from automotive industry for lightweight materials for use in cars. These materials reduce the weight of cars, having a positive effect on fuel consumption, the range of electric cars, and reduction of CO2 emissions.
The Dutch plant has been under construction since January 2019 and employs some 100 people.
Mitsui chooses Netherlands hub for integrated European R&D and production
By launching ACE, the Mitsui Chemicals Group is establishing an integrated European system for research, production and sales. This will allow the group to provide effective lightweighting solutions to automakers and auto parts manufacturers with European bases while also responding to global demand growth.
Mitsui’s Netherlands’ operations contributes to sustainability in the automotive industry
The ACE production site, at the heart of the Dutch chemicals sector ecosystem, is part of Mitsui’s global production network. At present, the Mitsui Chemicals Group operates production sites in eight regions around the world (Japan, U.S., Mexico, Europe, Thailand, China, India, Brazil) and research sites in six regions (Japan, U.S., Europe, Thailand, China, India). The group is now moving to bolster its research, production and sales networks for high-quality PP compounds, which will contribute to lightweighting in the automotive sector.
Cross-fertilization of the chemical and automotive industries in the Netherlands
At the Chemelot Campus and surrounding area the automotive industry is well-represented with players such as SABIC, Arlanxeo, DSM, Sekisui, Polyscope, Brightlands Materials Center and VDL Nedcar. With its first European production of PP Compound, Mitsui can utilize the Netherland’s strong logistics network to serve the growing demand for lightweight materials in Europe.
Source: Mitsui Chemicals Group
16 June 2020