Akzo Nobel NV: Landmark agreement for AkzoNobel breakthrough technology

June 21, 2012

AkzoNobel has signed an agreement to supply its pioneering Continuous Initiator Dosing (CiD) technology to Mexichem Resinas Vinilicas, S.A. de C.V., one of the world's largest PVC manufacturers.

The deal - the company's first CiD license outside Europe - involves three Mexichem plants (two in Mexico, one in Colombia), which will be supplied with organic peroxide by AkzoNobel's Los Reyes site, where €9 million is being invested to boost the existing manufacturing capacity.

Launched in 2007, the patented CiD technology was developed to help PVC manufacturers improve reactor output, product quality and operational safety. It allows PVC producers to improve productivity in a key manufacturing step by as much as 20 to 30 percent, as well as greatly improving the whiteness of the PVC when compared with conventional technology.

"The Mexichem agreement fits perfectly with AkzoNobel's sustainable growth strategy for establishing long-term business partnerships and secures the position of our High Polymers business as a leading supplier of cutting-edge products and technology," said Werner Fuhrmann, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. "The new investment not only represents an important breakthrough in markets outside Europe - where we already have five licenses - but also enhances the flexibility of our overall peroxide manufacturing in the Americas."

PVC is the third most widely produced plastic in the world, with annual production of around 34 million tons. The basic technology involved in its production has changed very little over the years, which means CiD represents a major innovation.  

"One of the major advantages of CiD is that it allows producers to control the reaction speed of the PVC production process by regulating the rate of initiator dosing," explained Jan Svärd, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals. "This not only enhances productivity, but also makes the process much safer."

AkzoNobel's revolutionary CiD technology - which is expected to continue gaining market share - is already being used by customers in countries such as Germany, Spain and Russia.

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AkzoNobel is the largest global paint and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow's Answers Today(TM).

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