In a significant move to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing polymer markets, Nouryon has announced a series of strategic investments in China aimed at supporting the nation’s surging demand for high-performance polymers. These initiatives mark a major step forward in the company’s long-term strategy to enhance local manufacturing capacity and accelerate innovation alongside its customers.
At its Jiaxing site, Nouryon has completed a major capacity expansion for metal alkyls production, effectively doubling its ability to produce triethylaluminum, a critical co-catalyst used in the production of polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are essential in a wide range of applications, including packaging, automotive components, and consumer goods.
Looking ahead, Nouryon is set to begin producing modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) in China by 2027. This component plays a pivotal role in catalyst systems for polyolefin elastomers, which are increasingly used in solar panels, a rapidly expanding segment within China’s renewable energy sector. Complementing this expansion, the company will also launch an organic peroxides innovation center in Tianjin in 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on specialized polymer application capabilities, enabling faster product development and providing enhanced technical support to customers.
Commenting on the developments, Larry Ryan, President at Nouryon, stated, “Nouryon’s investments in China reflect our commitment to delivering future-ready polymer specialties solutions through localized manufacturing and innovation. By leveraging our global polymer catalyst expertise and applying it to local market needs, we are enhancing supply reliability, accelerating innovation, and supporting our customers’ growth.” Ryan further noted that the metal alkyls expansion includes advanced infrastructure upgrades such as the installation of thermal oxidizer emission control systems and expanded facilities for blending and cylinder transfilling to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
These projects further highlight the strategic significance of the Jiaxing site, which also houses an R&D laboratory established in 2024. The lab focuses on improving process efficiency, developing next-generation metal alkyl technologies, and supporting regulatory alignment within China’s evolving polymer industry. To commemorate these milestones, Nouryon hosted a special event at the Jiaxing site attended by company executives, key customers, government representatives, and members of the local trade media.
The new investments fall under Nouryon’s Performance Materials segment, part of its Polymer Specialties business unit, which provides solutions that make products lighter, more durable, and more efficient. The company’s technologies support innovation across the entire polymer lifecycle, from production and modification to recycling, underscoring its role as a global leader in sustainable polymer development.
Nouryon currently operates a worldwide network of metal alkyl production facilities in La Porte, Texas; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Jiaxing, China. In addition, the company maintains metal alkyl application centers in Deventer, Netherlands and Jiaxing, China, along with transfilling and blending stations in Jiaxing, China; Paulínia, Brazil; and Mahad, India.
Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, and incorporated in Ireland, Nouryon is a global specialty chemicals leader employing over 8,200 people across 80 countries. Its innovative solutions are integral to industries including personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation, the company continues to demonstrate consistent growth and a strong financial performance, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner to industries worldwide.
