Nouryon is expanding its modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) production capacity by establishing a new manufacturing operation at its existing facility in Jiaxing, China. The investment aims to meet rising demand for high-performance plastics used in solar panels and automotive applications. The company will manufacture MMAO, a catalyst activator essential for producing these advanced plastics, at the Jiaxing site to serve customers in China and international markets. Commercial production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028.
MMAO Supports Production of High-Performance Plastics
MMAO is an aluminium-based compound that activates catalysts used in the production of polyolefin elastomers (POE) and alpha-olefins, which serve as key inputs for POE manufacturing. POEs are strong and flexible plastics widely used in solar panels and lightweight automotive components. As demand for solar energy installations and fuel-efficient vehicles increases, manufacturers are seeking advanced materials that offer durability, flexibility and improved performance. By expanding MMAO production in China, Nouryon aims to provide customers with a closer and more reliable supply source in one of the world’s major manufacturing hubs for these materials.
Jiaxing Facility to Strengthen Regional Supply
Alain Rynwalt, Senior Vice President of Performance Materials at Nouryon, said, “Solar power and lighter, more efficient cars are driving demand for the durable plastics that make them possible, and MMAO is critical to making those plastics. By producing at Jiaxing, we put a steady supply right where the industry is growing and help our customers scale with confidence.” Nouryon currently manufactures MMAO at one of its facilities in the United States. The company highlights that its MMAO dissolves readily in production solvents and maintains stability during storage, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications. Moreover, MMAO quality plays an important role in determining catalyst efficiency and ensuring consistency in the properties of finished plastics.
Strengthening Nouryon’s Polymer Specialties Portfolio
The MMAO product range forms part of Nouryon’s Polymer Specialties business unit within its Performance Materials segment. The business provides specialised solutions that support polymer manufacturing processes. As per the press release, through the new Jiaxing production facility, Nouryon aims to strengthen its regional supply capabilities, support the growing demand for advanced polymers and reinforce its position in the global catalyst activator market.
