Borealis starts up TPO compounding unit in US

Taylorsville, North Carolina – Borealis AG has started up a 30-kilotonne-per-annum (ktpa) compounding plant in Taylorsville.

The new facility will produce thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and short glass fibre (SGF) compounds, the Vienna-based polymer maker announced 3 April.

Scheduled for official inauguration on 16 May, the plant has already supplied samples to potential customers, which include OEMs and Tier 1 companies in North America.

The company has already secured several projects “with leading North American and European OEMs,” said Lucrèce Foufopolous, EVP polyolefins and innovation & technology, Borealis.

Among the first products manufactured at the plant, were automotive materials approved and listed by customers such as Daimler and VW, noted Borealis.

The materials company is producing its new low-density TPO compound Daplen EE058AI automotive applications at the plant.

The 10% talc-filled , elastomer-modified grade is designed for automotive interiors requiring low odour, emission and fogging levels.

VW-owned Skoda, added Borealis, achieved weight-savings of 6.5% by using the new grade for lower dashboard, glove box and centre console applications.