Perstorp opens second caprolactone stream - doubles capacity

Leading specialty chemicals company Perstorp - the world’s largest producer of caprolactone - has doubled production capacity of their Capa™ caprolactone plant in Warrington, England.

Due to the rapidly growing demand for caprolactones worldwide, these specialty chemicals have been in short supply for several years. In response, Perstorp has taken steps to secure long-term availability by investing in a second Capa™ stream at its Warrington plant. Already the world’s largest supplier of caprolactone and its derivatives, Perstorp can now offer twice the production - welcome news for makers of premium end products with high demands on performance.

Perstorp’s Capa™ caprolactones make it possible for manufacturers to tailor the properties of their products to a greater, more precise degree. They also offer improved process ability and lower VOC levels thanks to their low viscosity, and they are totally biodegradable. Today caprolactones are widely used in applications such as resin modification, waterborne PUD coatings, cast elastomers, hot-melt adhesives, support material for top-quality shoes and modern orthopedic brace supports.

“We are very committed to supporting the market for high end niche products that can be enhanced through the use of caprolactones,” says Bob Wasson, Sales and Business Development Director Asia. Wasson, whose experience with Capa™began twenty years ago when he was R&D manager, has just recently relocated to Shanghai. “Now that the second stream is in operation I’m really looking forward to working more closely with the business here in Asia. This is where we believe the greatest growth potential for caprolactones exists.”

Perstorp’s second Capa™ stream is based on the same proprietary technology as its first stream, guaranteeing customers the same high quality as before. With trial volumes already successfully produced, tested and used in downstream products, Perstorp expects to begin commercial production by the first of September.