Tosoh mulls building second CSM rubber plant

Tokyo - Chemicals and materials manufacturer Tosoh Corp. is considering construction of a second chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM) production plant, the company has announced.

The planned project, to be completed within five years, is in response growing global demand for CSM, as well as customer concerns over stability of supply, said a Tosoh statement.

CSM is used for its resistance to heat and ozone, as well as to aggressive  acids and alkalis. Typical applications include  adhesives, automotive components, industrial hose and roll covers.

Tosoh became the world's the largest producer of the rubber in 2010, when DuPont ceased production of its Hypalon branded CSM.

In 2012, the Tokyo-based company doubled capacity for its Toso-CSM brand at its Nanyo complex to 9,500 tonnes/year.

Around 90 percent if Tosoh's CSM sales are overseas, mainly in the US and Europe. The company said it expects demand in these regions and in Japan to grow stably over the next five years.