30 Aug 2013 - HUNTSMAN EXPANDS BENZOXAZINE MANUFACTURING CAPACITY IN GREATER CHINA
HUNTSMAN EXPANDS BENZOXAZINE MANUFACTURING CAPACITY IN GREATER CHINA
Shanghai, China – Huntsman Advanced Materials announce the expansion of Benzoxazine manufacturing capacity at its Panyu facility in China for the Electronics Laminate industry, focus on APAC region especially Greater China market. The total cost of expansion was approximately 2.6M USD and capacity will increase to 5.6 KT per annum.
Electronics Laminate is the basic substrate material for printed circuit boards found in telecom equipment, medical measurement devices, information technology equipment, automobile parts, cell phones as well as other electronic consumer products. Halogen containing polymers, made up of either fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine, has been one of the materials of choice to create PCBs. Though not harmful during its lifetime, there is concern about what happens to halogenated products once they have reached end of life.
“Studies by European countries and Japan show that the incineration of electronic devices containing halogen releases carcinogenic materials like dioxin and dibenzofuran, which can contribute to smog and toxic air concerns,” said Dr Meising Ho, Research and Technology Director APAC, Huntsman Advanced Materials, “Dioxins and furans also have been shown to be present in increasing levels in soil and groundwater. Other studies have shown burning halogen materials can affect human immunity and hormone incretion systems and influence people’s reproduction and development.”
Huntsman Advanced Materials is a pioneer and leader in developing benzoxazines as the technology solution of halogen-free resins for laminate. It was the first company to successfully manufacture benzoxazines on a commercial scale and began producing Benzoxazine resins at its McIntosh site (US) in 2000 and its Monthey site (Switzerland) in 2002, followed by China at its Panyu site in 2007.
China has become the global hub for the manufacture of electronic laminate as production has migrated there from the US, Europe and Japan. The Panyu expansion underpins plans by the Advanced Materials division to grow in the Electronics Laminate market through environmental-friendly solutions.
Huntsman Advanced Materials has recently launched a new series of products based upon “Halogen and Phosphorous Free (HF & PF)” chemistry for the laminate market which is aimed at addressing environmental concerns regarding Phosphorous.
"Huntsman is committed to the Electronics industry and it is crucial to have an effective and efficient local production facility to serve this market" commented Mr Steen Weien Hansen, Vice President APAC, Huntsman Advanced Materials.
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About Huntsman:
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Our operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman has approximately 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. The Company had 2012 revenues of over $11 billion. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the Company’s website at www.huntsman.com.
About Advanced Materials:
Huntsman Advanced Materials is a leading global chemical solutions provider with a long heritage of pioneering technically advanced epoxy, acrylic and polyurethane-based polymer products. Our capabilities in high-performance adhesives and composites serve over 2,000 customers in 80 countries with innovative, tailor-made solutions and more than 1,500 products which address global engineering challenges. The Division had 2012 revenues of over $1.3 billion. For more information about Huntsman Advanced Materials, please visit the Company’s website at www.huntsman.com/advanced_materials/
Forward Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company’s operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. In addition, the completion of any transactions described in this release is subject to a number of uncertainties and closing will be subject to approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed or that the company’s expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.