Specialty chemicals company Lanxess has completed construction of an inorganic pigments plant in Ningbo, China, which will operate under a newly developed and patented “Ningbo Process.”
The facility is expected to begin production of highly saturated red iron oxide pigments in the first quarter of 2016.
Lanxess said the plant will be the global model for environmentally friendly and safe production of high-quality iron oxide red pigments. Highest product quality, sustainable production and resource-saving management of raw materials can be achieved the “Ningbo Process.”
Total investment at the Ningbo site is about 60 million euros for an initial annual capacity of 25,000 metric tons. Lanxess is building a mixing and milling plant for inorganic pigments at the same site with an annual capacity of 70,000 metric tons.
A total of 200 jobs have been created with these two plants, both scheduled to start production in the first quarter.
Lanxess already operates one of China's largest and most modern plants for iron oxide pigments in Jinshan, Shanghai. That plant has an annual capacity of 38,000 metric tons of iron oxide yellow and black pigments.
China is the world's major iron oxide pigments consumer. The country's focus on sustainable development is leading to rising demand for environment-friendly premium iron oxide pigments — particularly for red pigments.
Lanxess said all of its business units are represented in China, operating eight production sites, eight R&D centers, and five offices, with a total of 1,400 employees in Greater China.