WACKER Builds New Production Plant for Specialty Monomers in Burghausen

WACKER aims to meet the globally rising demand for its dispersible polymer powders, which is driven by worldwide trends such as urbanization, renovation and energy efficiency. With the construction of the new plant for specialty monomers, the Munich-based chemical Group is creating the necessary capacity to independently secure the supply of key raw materials for the manufacture of the powders at its Burghausen site over the long term. The specialty monomers vinyl neodecanoate and vinyl laurate confer special properties on WACKER’s dispersible polymer powders, such as hydrophobicity.

“The construction of the new plant for specialty monomers is an important strategic step,” explains Christoph Riemer, head of dispersible polymer powder business at WACKER POLYMERS. “It makes us more independent of raw-material price fluctuations and boosts supply security during peak-demand periods. In addition, it strengthens the position of specialty products in our dispersible polymer powder portfolio.”

“The new plant uses a process that was specifically developed and patented by WACKER. It is state of the art and allows us to strengthen our market and cost position over the long term,” says Bors C. Abele, head of acetyls business at WACKER POLYMERS.

WACKER has been producing dispersible polymer powders as binders for dry-mix mortars in Burghausen, Germany, since 1957 and, today, is a global technology and market leader in this field. VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders find use in various construction applications such as tile adhesives, self-leveling flooring compounds, plasters, repair mortars, external thermal insulation composite systems and cementitious waterproofing membranes. They enhance important end-product properties, such as adhesion, cohesion, flexibility and flexural strength. Water retention, processing properties and weatherability benefit from VINNAPAS^®, too.

About WACKER POLYMERS

WACKER POLYMERS is a leading producer of state-of-the-art binders and polymeric additives based on polyvinyl acetate and vinyl acetate copolymers. These take the form of dispersible polymer powders, dispersions, solid resins, and solutions. They are used in construction chemicals, paints, surface coatings, adhesives and nonwovens, as well as in fiber composites and polymeric materials based on renewable resources. WACKER POLYMERS has production sites in Germany, China, South Korea and the USA, as well as a global sales network and technical centers in all major regions.