Specialty chemicals company Lanxess will open a new applications development and technical services (AD&TS) laboratory for polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) in Latina, Italy. As part of the existing Urethane Systems AD&TS centre, the new lab will operate as a standalone facility dedicated to PUDs. It has been built with the scope of enhancing Lanxess Urethane Systems business partnership with clients and end users, via a technology focused interaction and high scientific focus. Start of operation will be in the 3rd quarter of 2018.

The new laboratory will be capable of supporting market needs in a variety of coatings and adhesives applications in leather and textile finishing, plastic, glass and metal substrates coatings, as well as glass fibre sizing.

“There is a growing demand from customers for VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free and lower carbon footprint materials”, says Markus Eckert, Head of Lanxess’s Urethane Systems business unit. “Moreover, the increasing regulatory pressure upon restricted chemicals, stimulates the applied research in water based technologies. Hence, the foundation of a focused technical centre is consistent with Lanxess’s strategy towards green technologies and chemistry”.

Urethane coatings demand wear, abrasion, chemical and UV resistance, for which Lanxess can offer a range of solutions. “The laboratory in Latina will be capable of doing analytical work, formulation development and synthesis of novel products to satisfy market needs with a high degree of technical differentiation”, Eckert continues.