September 5, 2017
Asahi Kasei Corp.

As announced on February 15, 2017, Asahi Kasei concluded a joint venture agreement with China National Bluestar (Group) Co., Ltd. (Bluestar), a subsidiary of China National Chemical Corp. (ChemChina), for the integrated production and sale of Xyron™ modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) in China, including its intermediate materials 2,6-xylenol and polyphenylene ether (PPE). As antitrust clearance has been received, respective joint ventures for manufacturing and sale were established in Nantong, Jiangsu, China.

The two joint ventures will leverage Bluestar's technology for 2,6-xylenol and PPE together with Asahi Kasei's mPPE compounding technology and applications development capability to facilitate further expansion in the growing Chinese market.

Asahi Kasei and Bluestar will now begin studying the construction of manufacturing facilities for 2,6-xylenol, PPE, and mPPE, and proceed with detailed evaluation of the economics of the joint business targeting a final investment decision by March 2018.

Company nameAsahi Kasei Bluestar (Nantong) Engineering Plastics Manufacturing Co., Ltd.LocationNantong, Jiangsu, ChinaChairmanTomoyuki SaitoShareholdingBluestar 50.01%, Asahi Kasei 49.99%OperationManufacture of 2,6-xylenol and PPE (30,000 tons/year: polymer) and mPPE (20,000 tons/year)EstablishmentAugust 28, 2017


Company nameAsahi Kasei Bluestar (Nantong) Engineering Plastics Sales & Marketing Co., Ltd.LocationNantong, Jiangsu, ChinaChairmanPANG XiaoLinShareholdingAsahi Kasei 50.07%, Bluestar 49.93%OperationSale of 2,6-xylenol, PPE, and mPPE
(subsidiaries to be established in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong)EstablishmentAugust 21, 2017

The manufacture of Xyron™ mPPE begins with phenol and methanol as raw materials. Phenol and methanol are used to synthesize 2,6-xylenol, which is then polymerized into PPE. The PPE is compounded with other polymers and various combinations of glass fiber, flame retardant, and other additives to form mPPE. Featuring superior heat resistance, flame retardance, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties, mPPE is used in fields ranging from office equipment, automotive components (relay blocks, electric vehicle battery modules, etc.), junction boxes for solar panels, industrial components, and electrical and electronic parts (connectors, etc.)



Asahi Kasei Corporation published this content on 05 September 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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