Technological watch
Trinseo Expands Thermoplastic Elastomers R&D Center in Italy
Trinseo has finalized the expansion of its thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) R&D Center in Mussolente, Italy. The new research and development facility represents another step towards fulfilling Trinseo’s wider growth strategy for TPE, enabling it to further develop its portfolio of custom engineered TPE and thermoplastic urethanes (TPU), along with its leading bioplastics portfolio.
Producing Sustainable Soft-touch Plastics
The Mussolente site has been leading industry developments in the design and production of sustainable soft-touch plastics, and it is combining six decades’ worth of experience with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a growing, talented, team. The dedicated R&D center is led by Marco Meneghetti, Global TPE T&I leader and it is supporting both of Trinseo’s manufacturing sites for soft plastics – Mussolente and Hsinchu.
The facility, located on the premises of Trinseo’s main TPE manufacturing facility, has been under construction since February 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Italy especially hard, work continued with complete adherence to the plans laid out to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We step into 2021 with another announcement regarding Trinseo’s investments in growth. We finished 2020 strong, with the opening of the TPE pilot facility in Hsinchu and the acquisition of the PMMA business from Arkema. All these steps, together, are moving Trinseo along in the direction set by company transformation strategy, that of becoming a provider of specialty compounds and material solutions. I congratulate the entire project team for ensuring the completion of this investment despite many challenges and I am looking forward to the new developments coming from Italy,” said Natalia Scherbakoff, global director technology & innovation.
Producing Sustainable Soft-touch Plastics
The Mussolente site has been leading industry developments in the design and production of sustainable soft-touch plastics, and it is combining six decades’ worth of experience with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a growing, talented, team. The dedicated R&D center is led by Marco Meneghetti, Global TPE T&I leader and it is supporting both of Trinseo’s manufacturing sites for soft plastics – Mussolente and Hsinchu.
The facility, located on the premises of Trinseo’s main TPE manufacturing facility, has been under construction since February 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Italy especially hard, work continued with complete adherence to the plans laid out to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We step into 2021 with another announcement regarding Trinseo’s investments in growth. We finished 2020 strong, with the opening of the TPE pilot facility in Hsinchu and the acquisition of the PMMA business from Arkema. All these steps, together, are moving Trinseo along in the direction set by company transformation strategy, that of becoming a provider of specialty compounds and material solutions. I congratulate the entire project team for ensuring the completion of this investment despite many challenges and I am looking forward to the new developments coming from Italy,” said Natalia Scherbakoff, global director technology & innovation.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870292.
