Versalis to add ABS production capacities, to develop new technology

Photo by Eni

Versalis SpA, Eni’s chemical arm, has announced a mid-to-long term plan to refocus its capacity in the styrenic polymers business at its plant in Mantua, near Milan.

The focus will be towards “more differentiated, high added value products” specifically designed to feed the automotive, furniture and durable goods industries, said a Versalis statement.

As part of the strategy, the company is increasing the capacity of its existing continuous mass ABS unit by 30 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa), to address rising customer demand.

The project is currently in the engineering phase, with production set for 2020.

Moreover, the company said that it had started up a pilot plant in October last year to validate “an innovative ABS proprietary technology”, which the company has registered under the trademark One Step.

The aim is, Versalis said, to scale the One Step production with a 70ktpa unit.

“The plant will enable to develop further the ABS specialty grades portfolio and access new application markets,” the Italian chemicals supplier added.

Versalis manufactures Edistir PST crystal and high impact polystyrene resins, Sinkral ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resins, Kostil SAN styrene acrylonitrile resins and Extir EPS expandable polystyrene resins at its Mantua site.