Chemtura, Baerlocher reach stabilizer agreements

Selling its organic-based stabilizers (OBS) product line for rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC Stabilizer) applications to the company, Chemtura Corp. (Middlebury, CT) will also work with German additives maker Baerlocher (Unterschleissheim) on the production of some PVC heat stabilizers. Saying in a release that it hasn’t been able to “fully leverage the [OBS] technology in rigid PVC,” Chemtura will now focus on the development of OBS additives for flexible PVC applications. Baerlocher gains a license for use of Chemtura’s OBS patents and know-how in flexible applications.

Chemtura says these moves represent the ongoing “strategic restructuring” of its non flame-retardant polymer-additives business, which has shifted antioxidants production from Europe to Asia and the Middle East, as well as divested its organic peroxides and oleo chemicals businesses. Baerlocher says this most recent move strengthens its presence in calcium-based heat stabilizers at a time when the market is moving away from lead-based one packs.

Baerlocher, which employs 1200, operates manufacturing sites in the U.K., Italy, France, the U.S., India, and Malaysia, in addition to its German headquarters. The 175-year-old company, which manufactures lubricants, stabilizers, and metallic stearates, also operates joint ventures in Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Italy, describing itself as an expert in heat stabilizer one packs.