Lanxess invests Euro 10 million to add capacity for EVM

Leverkusen, Germany - Lanxess is to expand production of its ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM). To meet the continually growing demand for this rubber specialty, EUR 10 million is to be invested to significantly expand the capacity of the plant at the Dormagen site. The current permit allows for a maximum volume of 15,000 metric tons per year, an amount that could be realistic by 2009.

The synthetic elastomer supplied under the product names Levapren and Levamelt is suitable for oil and heat-resistant applications in the automotive sector - in particular for seals and hoses. In addition, as a halogen-free polymer with good compatibility with flame retardants, it has ideal properties for the manufacture of cable sheathing and is also used for flame-retardant products deployed in construction or for weather-resistant transparent film.