Stahl commissions polyurethane emulsion facility

23/05/2005

Stahl Europe bv has successfully developed and started up a new reactor train, based on in-line reaction technology, for the production of specialised polyurethane dispersions. These are used in downstream formulations for Stahl’s leather finish and Permuthane product lines. The official opening of the new facilities at Waalwijk, the Netherlands, took place on April 22 to coincide with festivities celebrating 50 years of Stahl in Europe.

 

In-line reaction technology allows production in a highly flexible and efficient manner and minimises operator exposure to chemicals, thereby eliminating the need for protective clothing. Walk-in weighing booths further enhance the working conditions and reduce waste. Both the technology and product quality have been tested during recent years in laboratories, a pilot plant and on a limited commercial scale. They have now been expanded with confidence to a full-scale plant.

Stahl intends moving all polyurethane dispersion production to the new facility as part of an overall plan to upgrade the Waalwijk site both in terms of the environment and efficiency.