Mexico. Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) announced the start of production of a new version of its dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO), Perkadox GB-50, in Los Reyes. It is the first dry BPO on the market not to use the desensitizing agent dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), which the European Union recently reclassified as a category 1B reproductive toxin.
Perkadox GB-50 is used as a curing agent for road markings, floors, elastomeric roof coverings, adhesives, chemical anchors and other acrylic compounds.
"With GB-50, we developed a solution that addresses the concerns associated with DCHP and meets the needs of our customers," said Johan Landfors, Managing Director of Polymer Chemistry at Nouryon. "We introduced the new formulation in 2018 and experienced great global interest. Completing the Los Reyes expansion project ensures that we can meet the growth in future market demand."
The expansion and upgrade project in Los Reyes, which includes the construction of a facility to produce the new peroxide, involved an investment of more than 12 million euros.
Ricardo Castanedo, Los Reyes Site Manager and Country Mexico Director at Nouryon, said, "The Kings have benefited greatly from Nouryon's commitment to the site. Over the past year, we have hired more than 100 additional employees to support our expansion and ensure we can continue to provide industry-leading support to our growing client list."
