Lanxess expands plasticiser production

“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.