Synthomer to close SBR latex facility in Finland

London – Synthomer plc is closing down its styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex production plant in Oulu, Finland as part of a move to address declining demand.

The company confirmed to ERJ in August that it had started consultation processes with employees at two European plants in Oulu and Marl, Germany, to discuss “future options” for the two sites.

In a trading update 14 Oct, the UK company said the consultation process at Oulu was complete and a decision had been made to close the site by the end of the first quarter of 2021. 

Consultations are ongoing at Marl with an outcome expected in the fourth quarter of this year, it said. 

Synthomer said it remained committed to the SBR markets in Europe, and will supply its customers from its Central European asset base. 

Synthomer disclosed plans to review its SBR latex assets in the fourth quarter of 2019.

the move, it said, aimed to tackle lower plant utilisation rates resulted from slower economic activity and ongoing weaker demand for coated graphic paper.

The company produces SBR latex at four European sites in Germany, Italy, Finland and Austria.

SBR latex is typically used for the coating of graphic and packaging paper, as a binder in the production of carpets, and in mattress and footwear applications.