Kraton Expands Tire Additives Production Capacity

Kraton Corporation announced significant investments in the production of alpha-methyl styrene (AMS) resins.

The company, which specializes in sustainable production of specialty polymers and high-value bioproducts derived from the by-products of pine wood pulping, expects the investments to result in a 15% increase in production by 2023. In addition to the capacity expansion, Kraton expects the investments to lead to a 70% reduction in solvent consumption, which will have a positive impact on the product's life cycle by the end of 2022.

Kraton's AMS resins, also known as pure monomer resins, are required to improve the tread of premium tires. They significantly enhance the overall tread performance in terms of wet traction, low rolling resistance, and durability, providing safer driving, better fuel efficiency, and longer tread life.

Due to the tightening of vehicle emission standards worldwide, there is a significant increase in demand for these high-performance additives.