Specialty chemicals company Nouryon recently announced investments in China to support the country’s increasing demand for high-performance polymers. The investments will help the company grow alongside its customers in one of the world’s fastest growing polymer markets. At its site in Jiaxing, Nouryon has completed a capacity expansion for metal alkyls production, which will ultimately double its ability to produce triethylaluminum, a co-catalyst essential in the manufacture of polyethylene and polypropylene for packaging, automotive components, and consumer goods.

In 2027, Nouryon will also begin producing modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) in China, a key component in catalysts for polyolefin elastomers used in solar panels, another rapidly growing segment in China. Additionally, in 2026, the company will open an organic peroxides innovation center in Tianjin to provide specialized polymer application capabilities for faster product development and enhanced customer support. 

“Nouryon’s investments in China reflect our commitment to delivering future-ready polymer specialties solutions through localized manufacturing and innovation,” said Larry Ryan, president at Nouryon. “By leveraging our global polymer catalyst expertise and applying it to local market needs, we are enhancing supply reliability, accelerating innovation and supporting our customers’ growth.” Ryan added that the metal alkyls expansion also included key infrastructure upgrades, specifically the installation of advanced thermal oxidizer emission control systems and added capabilities for blending and cylinder transfilling.

Nouryon reports that these developments strengthen the strategic importance of the company’s Jiaxing site, which already houses an R&D laboratory established in 2024. The lab focuses on improving process efficiency and pioneering new production methods for metal alkyls, playing a vital role in supporting polyolefin innovation and regulatory alignment in China. To mark these milestones, Nouryon hosted an event at its Jiaxing site attended by company executives, key customers, government officials and members of local trade media.

The projects fall under Nouryon’s Performance Materials segment within its Polymer Specialties business unit. Learn more about Nouryon at www.nouryon.com.