Kraton opens HSBC plant in Taiwan

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, speciality polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced the opening of a 30kt hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) plant in Mailiao, Taiwan.

The Mailiao plant will support Kraton’s innovation-grade business, particularly low molecular weight HSBC products. These polymers impart performance characteristics, such as toughness and clarity in olefin-based compounds targeted for automotive, medical and film applications, as well as low viscosity for thermally stable adhesives, sealants and coatings.

The facility’s key features include a process and product laboratory with capabilities for manufacturing low viscosity products. Approximately 100 people are employed at the plant, which has already achieved more than 1.8M work hours without a recordable incident since construction began in early 2014. The plant is currently in commercial production after a successful trial productions period.

The plant is owned and operated by Kraton Formosa Polymers Company, a JV between Kraton and Formosa Petrochemical Corp.