Kuraray Co. (Tokyo, Japan; www.kuraray.us.com) plans to increase the production capacity of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, EVAL within its subsidiary, Kuraray America, Inc. (Houston). The Kuraray EVAL plant located in Pasadena, Texas will increase their capacity by 11,000 ton/yr with planned operations to commence in the summer of 2018.
Currently, Kuraray’s EVAL product line provides the world’s widest range of EVOH resins and films. With global demand forecasted to increase at an annual rate of six to seven percent, this boost in capacity at the Pasadena EVAL plant will further solidify Kuraray as a leader in the production of EVOH resin and barrier materials.
“In addition to expanding EVAL production within the U.S., this announcement also represents a $75-million investment towards the Bayport community,” says Robert Armstrong, plant manager at Kuraray America, Inc. “With the recent opening of the Kuraray Poval plant and the consideration of enhancing current VAM production, Kuraray continues to further their commitment to southeast Texas.”
Due to its superior gas barrier properties, EVAL applications include food packaging as well as agricultural and industrial applications, says the company. Kuraray is currently developing new applications of EVAL including industrial applications such as soil pollution prevention liners and agricultural applications including impermeable fumigation films.