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Akzo Nobel

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Nov. 2, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced plans to expand production capacity at its Levasil colloidal silica manufacturing facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S., to meet increasing demand from the Construction and Packaging end-markets. Construction of the facility expansion in Green Bay, Wisconsin is planned to be finalized in the second half of 2022.

“The capacity expansion at our manufacturing facility in Green Bay is driven by growing demand for Levasil colloidal silica products in North America,” said Patrick Wilhelm, Vice President of Inorganic Specialties at Nouryon. “We are pleased to support our customers’ growth, which is fueled by large governmental infrastructure projects as well as increasing demand in packaging materials driven by e-commerce.”

Nouryon’s Levasil colloidal silica products are very versatile and support several end-markets. A product of two natural ingredients – sand and water – Levasil colloidal silica enhances and improves key functionalities and sustainability profiles of other products and manufacturing processes. In Construction applications, Levasil products provide durability to structures such as bridges and buildings. Levasil products are also used to create anti-slip surfaces in Packaging applications – making stacking and handling of finished products easier and more efficient.

“By investing in our global network of Levasil colloidal silica manufacturing facilities, we are further strengthening our manufacturing footprint to grow with our sustainable solutions and enhancing our ability to supply our Construction and Packaging customers in the U.S. and around the world,” said Johan Landfors, Executive Vice President and President Technology Solutions and Europe at Nouryon.

Nouryon is a leading producer of high-performance silica worldwide and has more than 60 years of expertise in manufacturing Levasil colloidal silica. Nouryon has eight Levasil production facilities around the world, with expansions ongoing in Sweden and Taiwan.

About Nouryon

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Nouryon plans to increase Levasil colloidal silica production capacity at its manufacturing facility in Green Bay, WI

Posted in: Chemicals 11/02/2021 - 09:43

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Nov. 2, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced plans to expand production capacity at its Levasil colloidal silica manufacturing facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S., to meet increasing demand from the Construction and Packaging end-markets. Construction of the facility expansion in Green Bay, Wisconsin is planned to be finalized in the second half of 2022.

“The capacity expansion at our manufacturing facility in Green Bay is driven by growing demand for Levasil colloidal silica products in North America,” said Patrick Wilhelm, Vice President of Inorganic Specialties at Nouryon. “We are pleased to support our customers’ growth, which is fueled by large governmental infrastructure projects as well as increasing demand in packaging materials driven by e-commerce.”

Nouryon’s Levasil colloidal silica products are very versatile and support several end-markets. A product of two natural ingredients – sand and water – Levasil colloidal silica enhances and improves key functionalities and sustainability profiles of other products and manufacturing processes. In Construction applications, Levasil products provide durability to structures such as bridges and buildings. Levasil products are also used to create anti-slip surfaces in Packaging applications – making stacking and handling of finished products easier and more efficient.

“By investing in our global network of Levasil colloidal silica manufacturing facilities, we are further strengthening our manufacturing footprint to grow with our sustainable solutions and enhancing our ability to supply our Construction and Packaging customers in the U.S. and around the world,” said Johan Landfors, Executive Vice President and President Technology Solutions and Europe at Nouryon.

Nouryon is a leading producer of high-performance silica worldwide and has more than 60 years of expertise in manufacturing Levasil colloidal silica. Nouryon has eight Levasil production facilities around the world, with expansions ongoing in Sweden and Taiwan.

About Nouryon

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Sept. 8, 2021 (Press Release) -AkzoNobel’s commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets has now been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – confirming its status as the first paints and coatings company to receive this endorsement.

The original announcement was made in July, when AkzoNobel followed up on its commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets by announcing carbon reduction targets for the full value chain.

Commenting on the latest development, CEO Thierry Vanlancker says: “We’re proud to be the first company in our industry to receive SBTi approval for our carbon reduction target. It’s a clear signal that we’re committed to taking stronger action to tackle climate change and will be an enormous innovation driver for what we do in our supply chain and with our customers.

“It means we’ve aligned our own sustainability ambitions with the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming and ensure that global temperature rise doesn’t exceed 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels.”

The company has also followed up the recent SBTi approval by restating its 42% carbon reduction target (baseline 2020) across the whole value chain. It has now been increased to 50% by 2030 (baseline 2018). This brings it in line with the company’s carbon reduction ambition in its own operations and will further sharpen and accelerate the company’s vision for its own People. Planet. Paint. approach to sustainable business.”

Adds Vanlancker: “Successfully combating the impact of climate change is everyone’s responsibility. So we have to work with all our value chain partners to transition to lower/zero carbon alternatives. I also encourage our peers to commit to the SBTi by announcing their own targets and join us in setting the right example in our industry.”

About AkzoNobel

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

AkzoNobel receives SBTi approval for carbon reduction target

Posted in: Environment 09/09/2021 - 09:39

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Sept. 8, 2021 (Press Release) -AkzoNobel’s commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets has now been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – confirming its status as the first paints and coatings company to receive this endorsement.

The original announcement was made in July, when AkzoNobel followed up on its commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets by announcing carbon reduction targets for the full value chain.

Commenting on the latest development, CEO Thierry Vanlancker says: “We’re proud to be the first company in our industry to receive SBTi approval for our carbon reduction target. It’s a clear signal that we’re committed to taking stronger action to tackle climate change and will be an enormous innovation driver for what we do in our supply chain and with our customers.

“It means we’ve aligned our own sustainability ambitions with the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming and ensure that global temperature rise doesn’t exceed 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels.”

The company has also followed up the recent SBTi approval by restating its 42% carbon reduction target (baseline 2020) across the whole value chain. It has now been increased to 50% by 2030 (baseline 2018). This brings it in line with the company’s carbon reduction ambition in its own operations and will further sharpen and accelerate the company’s vision for its own People. Planet. Paint. approach to sustainable business.”

Adds Vanlancker: “Successfully combating the impact of climate change is everyone’s responsibility. So we have to work with all our value chain partners to transition to lower/zero carbon alternatives. I also encourage our peers to commit to the SBTi by announcing their own targets and join us in setting the right example in our industry.”

About AkzoNobel

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Sept. 3, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced today that Nouryon B.V., an affiliated entity that is expected to become the parent company of the Nouryon group, has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form F-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares.

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. Nouryon expects to use the proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness. The initial public offering is expected to commence after the SEC completes its review process, subject to market and other conditions.

This media release is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 135 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

Nouryon announces confidential submission of draft registration statement for proposed initial public offering

Posted in: Chemicals 09/03/2021 - 10:01

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , Sept. 3, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced today that Nouryon B.V., an affiliated entity that is expected to become the parent company of the Nouryon group, has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form F-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares.

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. Nouryon expects to use the proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness. The initial public offering is expected to commence after the SEC completes its review process, subject to market and other conditions.

This media release is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 135 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 22, 2021 (Press Release) -AkzoNobel has become the first paints and coatings company to follow up on its commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets by announcing carbon reduction targets for the full value chain.

The company has aligned its own sustainability ambitions with the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming and ensure that global temperature rise does not exceed 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels.

AkzoNobel’s target is to reduce carbon emissions for the whole value chain by 42% by 2030 (baseline 2020). This will apply to the company’s own operations, as well as its partners, such as customers and suppliers. Currently being officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the target will further sharpen and accelerate the company’s vision for its own People. Planet. Paint. approach to sustainable business, which was launched in 2019.

“Setting a target like this really matters,” says AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker. “It’s a clear signal that we’re preparing to mobilize our teams globally and take stronger action to tackle climate change. We need to act fast and focus on collaboration and innovation. When push comes to shove, there are those who contribute towards a zero carbon future and those who don't. We’re determined to do all we can and set the example by being the frontrunner in our industry.”

AkzoNobel has already taken great strides forward with its People. Planet. Paint. approach and is forging ahead of target on two key environmental ambitions – halving its own carbon emissions and having 100% renewable electricity in the company’s operations by 2030. To highlight this strong progress, it was recently announced that AkzoNobel would operate only on renewable electricity in Europe by 2022.

“To achieve our carbon reduction target, we have to look further than our own operations,” continues Vanlancker. “So we’ll be encouraging all our value chain partners to transition to lower/zero carbon alternatives. I also encourage our peers to commit to the SBTi, announce their own targets and join us in setting the right example in our industry.”

AkzoNobel’s firm belief that collaboration is key to taking widespread climate action is further evidenced by CEO Thierry Vanlancker being a member of the European CEO Alliance – a cross-industry partnership designed to help fight climate change, build economic resilience and make a success of the EU Green Deal.

About AkzoNobel

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

AkzoNobel sets pioneering carbon reduction target to help tackle climate change

Posted in: Environment 07/22/2021 - 03:18

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 22, 2021 (Press Release) -AkzoNobel has become the first paints and coatings company to follow up on its commitment to setting science-based sustainability targets by announcing carbon reduction targets for the full value chain.

The company has aligned its own sustainability ambitions with the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming and ensure that global temperature rise does not exceed 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels.

AkzoNobel’s target is to reduce carbon emissions for the whole value chain by 42% by 2030 (baseline 2020). This will apply to the company’s own operations, as well as its partners, such as customers and suppliers. Currently being officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the target will further sharpen and accelerate the company’s vision for its own People. Planet. Paint. approach to sustainable business, which was launched in 2019.

“Setting a target like this really matters,” says AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker. “It’s a clear signal that we’re preparing to mobilize our teams globally and take stronger action to tackle climate change. We need to act fast and focus on collaboration and innovation. When push comes to shove, there are those who contribute towards a zero carbon future and those who don't. We’re determined to do all we can and set the example by being the frontrunner in our industry.”

AkzoNobel has already taken great strides forward with its People. Planet. Paint. approach and is forging ahead of target on two key environmental ambitions – halving its own carbon emissions and having 100% renewable electricity in the company’s operations by 2030. To highlight this strong progress, it was recently announced that AkzoNobel would operate only on renewable electricity in Europe by 2022.

“To achieve our carbon reduction target, we have to look further than our own operations,” continues Vanlancker. “So we’ll be encouraging all our value chain partners to transition to lower/zero carbon alternatives. I also encourage our peers to commit to the SBTi, announce their own targets and join us in setting the right example in our industry.”

AkzoNobel’s firm belief that collaboration is key to taking widespread climate action is further evidenced by CEO Thierry Vanlancker being a member of the European CEO Alliance – a cross-industry partnership designed to help fight climate change, build economic resilience and make a success of the EU Green Deal.

About AkzoNobel

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 20, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, plans to increase production capacity of its Expancel expandable microspheres in China. The increase will result from the relocation of its production site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021, and will further strengthen the company’s leading global position in expandable microspheres.

"Nouryon has been the industry leader in expandable microspheres for more than 40 years. The increased capacity of Nouryon’s facility in Ningbo will allow us to meet the growing demand of the local market,” said Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, Vice President, Engineered Polymers at Nouryon. “We expect the production relocation to be seamless and to enable us to even better serve our customers in China with high-quality products and services.”

Expancel expandable microspheres are used as a lightweight filler and blowing agent to make customers’ end products lighter, incorporate high-performing insulation properties or better reflect light to reduce energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. For example, the use of cool roof coatings with high solar-reflecting properties reduces the need for air conditioning by decreasing a building’s external surface temperature by as much as 15° Celsius. Expancel supports Nouryon’s key end-markets in China, such as Building and Infrastructure, Packaging, and Paints and Coatings.

“Nouryon is seeing a marked increase in demand for expandable microspheres, which is being driven, in part, by global sustainability trends,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “Relocating Expancel production to our Ningbo facility will help us to meet this demand through the site’s operational excellence and addition of critical resources. That, in turn, will help us to accelerate our growth in China.”

The Ningbo facility is comprised of six plants that produce chelating agents, organic peroxides, and surfactants, and will complement Nouryon’s existing expandable microsphere production sites in the US, Sweden, and Brazil.

About Nouryon 

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Nouryon to increase production capacity of its Expancel expandable microspheres production and relocation of its site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China

Posted in: Chemicals 07/20/2021 - 09:28

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 20, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, plans to increase production capacity of its Expancel expandable microspheres in China. The increase will result from the relocation of its production site from Suzhou to Ningbo, China, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021, and will further strengthen the company’s leading global position in expandable microspheres.

"Nouryon has been the industry leader in expandable microspheres for more than 40 years. The increased capacity of Nouryon’s facility in Ningbo will allow us to meet the growing demand of the local market,” said Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, Vice President, Engineered Polymers at Nouryon. “We expect the production relocation to be seamless and to enable us to even better serve our customers in China with high-quality products and services.”

Expancel expandable microspheres are used as a lightweight filler and blowing agent to make customers’ end products lighter, incorporate high-performing insulation properties or better reflect light to reduce energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. For example, the use of cool roof coatings with high solar-reflecting properties reduces the need for air conditioning by decreasing a building’s external surface temperature by as much as 15° Celsius. Expancel supports Nouryon’s key end-markets in China, such as Building and Infrastructure, Packaging, and Paints and Coatings.

“Nouryon is seeing a marked increase in demand for expandable microspheres, which is being driven, in part, by global sustainability trends,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “Relocating Expancel production to our Ningbo facility will help us to meet this demand through the site’s operational excellence and addition of critical resources. That, in turn, will help us to accelerate our growth in China.”

The Ningbo facility is comprised of six plants that produce chelating agents, organic peroxides, and surfactants, and will complement Nouryon’s existing expandable microsphere production sites in the US, Sweden, and Brazil.

About Nouryon 

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands , July 13, 2021 (Press Release) -Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, has opened a new, eco-friendly office and innovation center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to better serve its local customers and support its growth plans for the Middle East and Africa.

The office space is located within the LEED-certified Laboratory Complex at Dubai Science Park. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and supports Nouryon’s commitment to sustainability. The office accommodates Nouryon’s regional commercial teams, as well as an innovation center designed for the testing and development of locally focused products.

“These new facilities bring Nouryon closer to our key markets in the Middle East and Africa, enabling us to tailor our essential solutions to fit the specific needs of our local customers and provide them with the support they need,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon.

Nouryon undertakes research and development activities through 10 innovation centers strategically located around the globe, each focused on developing local or regional customer solutions. The Dubai innovation center will enable Nouryon to expand its technical capabilities and includes facilities for the company to engage its local customers in interactive sessions that offer a transparent, hands-on experience.

“Nouryon's attention to societal trends and dedication to our customers have earned us a place among the leading companies in our industry in terms of safety, sustainability and innovation,” said Charlie Shaver, Chairman and CEO of Nouryon. “The Middle East has a rich history of innovation and will continue to be an important growth engine for Nouryon as we expand in the region, fuel our culture of innovation and strengthen our leading positions in specialty chemicals.”

Added Sethi: “Nouryon is looking forward to further expanding our business, assets and human resources in Dubai in support of our strategy in this important and growing region.”

Nouryon’s product portfolio in the Middle East and Africa covers its key end-markets, including cleaning, personal care, building and infrastructure, packaging materials and oil, gas and mining. About Nouryon

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 employees with a shared commitment to our customers, business growth, safety, sustainability and innovation has resulted in a consistently strong financial performance. We operate in over 80 countries around the world with a portfolio of industry-leading brands.

Nouryon opens new eco-friendly office and innovation center to support its growth plans in Dubai, UAE

Posted in: Chemicals 07/13/2021 - 04:34