Dow Elastomers, a business unit of Dow Chemical, will begin the production of Affinity GA polyolefin elastomers (POEs) for hot melt adhesives in Tarragona, Spain. This is a milestone for Dow, as it is the first time the production of Affinity GA POEs will take place in Europe. The decision to produce Affinity GA POEs in Tarragona will expand Dow’s current capacity to serve the hot melt adhesives (HMA) market and is expected to come on-line in the first quarter of 2014.

Adding to existing production in Freeport, Texas, the capacity in Tarragona will enable sourcing from two continents, helping Dow to better serve its global customer base. According to Kim Ann Mink of Dow Elastomers, Electrical & Telecommunications, the investment in Tarragona along with the flexibility offered at its new, previously announced high melt index (HMI) elastomers train on the US Gulf Coast will help ensure Dow keeps pace with demands for HMAs in end-of-line packaging and non-wovens for health and hygiene applications.

Affinity GA POEs are specifically developed for HMA formulations and a range of polymer modification applications, and are characterised by novel chemistry that combines high flow, low crystallinity and low molecular weight, allowing processors and formulators to achieve faster flow in thermoplastic polyolefin blends that can demonstrate increased flexibility and durability, and HMAs that enhance bond strength, according to Dow. Customers may also achieve reduced clogging and charring, resulting in cost savings from less equipment failures, downtime and maintenance, adds the US-headquartered firm.

Dow is the largest global producer of POEs with a broad portfolio and has more than 40 years of experience in a variety of application and market segments, including transportation, packaging, adhesives, waterproofing membranes, health and hygiene, non-wovens, footwear and consumer solutions.