Albemarle Corp. (Baton Rouge, La.; www.albemarle.com) announced that it is discontinuing production of its hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)-based flame retardants so that it can focus on supplying GreenCrest polymeric fire safety solutions, a sustainable alternative to HBCD. GreenCrest, which is based on technology licensed from Dow Global Technologies LLC, is commercially available in both powder and compacted grades for use in expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS) polystyrene foam applications. Albemarle first began supplying commercial quantities of GreenCrest to the market in Q1 2013.
“We are leveraging our unique expertise in compaction technology and our technical service capabilities to transition our customers to GreenCrest, which is a more sustainable alternative,” said Troy DeSoto, Vice President of Bromine Specialties Product Management. “Our extensive experience in the EPS and XPS industry and our established global distribution network will ensure this transition is seamless and that we can continue to meet customer demand in both the near and long term.”