Abstract:

　　Chemicals group Lanxess is investing a “mid-single-digit amount” of million euros in　expanding production facilities for the plasticiser Mesamoll in Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany,　by 40%.

　　“Sales of our phthalate-free plasticiser Mesamoll are already growing at an annual rate of　around 15%, making this sector stronger than the overall plasticiser market,” said Jorge　Nogueira, head of the Functional Chemicals business unit.

　　“Mesamoll, which many customers use as an alternative to phthalate-based plasticisers, has　recorded above-average growth since 2005 and we expect this trend to continue," he said.

　　The Mesanoll products are alkanesulfonic acid esters that are have good resistance to　saponification, as well as outstanding solvating and migration properties, says Lanxess.

　　They are compatible various polymers, including PVC and polyurethane.

　　The company has also launched a new fast-solvating grade – Mesamoll TP LXS 51067 – for　PVC floor coverings and wall coatings applications.

　　Lanxess’s functional chemicals business unit is part of the performance chemicals segment,　which achieved total sales of €1.5bn in 2009.