- 12 February 2007 -
Baerlocher expands calcium-based additives capacity

Baerlocher is enlarging production of calcium-based additive systems for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at its Lingen plant in Germany. The new production line came on-stream in January 2007 and will increase capacity by 7000 tonnes per year.

The expansion follows the company’s establishment of production lines for calcium-based products in Seremban, Malaysia, and Dewas, India, to support growth in Asia.

To support the increased production capacity, Baerlocher is building a new state-of-the-art production line for zinc stearate, a key component of the calcium-based systems. The line at its Lingen plant will have an annual capacity of 5000 tonnes and is due to be completed by the end of 2007. The company is also establishing long-term supply agreements with its suppliers to ensure availability of raw materials.

Demand for calcium-based products has grown as a result of the price increase in lead. Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) legislation in Europe has also impacted on demand.

“Many customers have accelerated the pace to move away from lead-based stabilizers to use systems which are sustainable under the new legislation” comments Felix K. Meyer, chief executive officer of the Baerlocher Group of companies. “Next to REACH, the recent increase of the lead price to new record levels is supporting a fast switch from lead systems to calcium-based one-packs.”

www.baerlocher.com