HOUSTON, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation
(NYSE: KRA), a leading global producer of specialty polymers and
high-value biobased products derived from pine wood pulping
co-products, highlights plans for expanded production capacity for
SBS polymer grades.
As a sustainability leader in our core markets, Kraton
recognizes the need to reduce the carbon footprint for our
customers and the environment, including increasing raw material
efficiency and utilizing bio-based raw materials. "Our recent
innovation focus has been to develop novel SBS grades for bitumen
modification to allow for significantly lower dosages. We
have seen success in lab testing, and are actively partnering with
customers to test in field trials," commented Dr. Holger Jung, Kraton's Senior Vice President and
President, Polymers.
Further, Kraton also anticipates increased pitch use, a
bio-based pine chemical co-product it manufactures in its pine
chemical manufacturing facilities, that can partially replace
bitumen in paving and roofing applications to meet requirements for
reduced hydrocarbon-based inputs to lower overall carbon
footprint. One such example of this notable market
development is in Sweden. Skanska
AB is combining its new bitumen product, MJOG 16, with Kraton pitch
to pave approximately 18 km of roadway in Sweden for the Swedish Transport
Administration. "Kraton is very proud to be part of Skanska AB's
sustainable efforts in Sweden. Combining our bio-based pitch
with SBS polymer modification in asphalt will allow the high
performance and durability of SBS-modified asphalt to merge with a
renewable raw material, further underscoring our strong commitment
to sustainability," said Dr. Jung.
Since 2016, Kraton has expanded its production capabilities in
Europe and North America by approximately 20 kilotons
through efficient capital investments made in its core SBS
manufacturing assets. Similarly, to respond to SBS's future
anticipated growth in both paving and roofing applications, Kraton
has developed approximately 40 kilotons of additional
cost-effective expansions across the European and North American
footprint. "Kraton expects its planned increase in SBS supply
capability and continued innovation-led growth in a novel, and
sustainable product offerings will enable us to continue to
strengthen our leading market position," added Dr. Jung.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use
of words such as "hopes," "believes," "estimates," "expects,"
"projects," "may," "could", "would" "intends," "plans" or
"anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.
The statements in this press release that are not historical
statements, including statements regarding Kraton's expectations
for its planned increase in SBS supply capability, its anticipated
use of pitch and the associated effects, its expectations for new
product offerings and its anticipations regarding its market
position are forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements in this press release are made
based on management's current expectations and estimates, which
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those expressed in forward-looking statements. Additional
information concerning factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking
statements is contained in Kraton's most recently filed annual
report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in other
filings made by Kraton with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, and include, but are not limited to, risks related to:
Kraton's ability to continue the technological innovation and
successful commercial introduction of new products (which depends
on obtaining regulatory approval); early stage products performing
as currently expected; Kraton's ability to protect its intellectual
property and other proprietary information; Kraton's ability to
repay or re-finance its indebtedness; Kraton's reliance on third
parties for the provision of significant operating and other
services; the impact of extraordinary events, including health
epidemics of pandemics such as COVID-19 (including governmental and
regulatory actions relating thereto); natural disasters and other
weather conditions and terrorist attacks; conditions in the global
economy and capital markets; fluctuations in raw material costs;
limitations in the availability of raw materials; competition in
Kraton's end-use markets; fluctuations in global tariffs and
logistics costs; and other factors of which we are currently
unaware or deem immaterial. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press
release, and we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise
such forward-looking statements in light of new information or
future events.
ABOUT KRATON CORPORATION
Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA) is a leading global sustainable
producer of specialty polymers and high-value biobased products
derived from pine wood pulping co-products. Kraton's polymers are
used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives,
coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and
lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving and roofing
applications. As the largest global provider in the pine chemicals
industry, the company's pine-based specialty products are sold into
adhesives and tire markets, and it produces and sells a broad range
of performance chemicals into markets that include fuel additives,
oilfield chemicals, coatings, roads, construction, metalworking
fluids and lubricants, inks, and mining. Kraton offers its products
to a diverse customer base in numerous countries worldwide.
Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, are all trademarks of Kraton
Polymers LLC or its affiliates.
For further information:
H. Gene Shiels
281-504-4886
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SOURCE Kraton Corporation