ARLANXEO Opens New HNBR Plant in Changzhou to Meet Growing Demand in Asia-Pacific

ARLANXEO Launches Innovative HNBR Plant in Changzhou, Boosting Asia-Pacific Supply

Global elastomer leader ARLANXEO opened its new Therban® HNBR Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) plant in Changzhou, China. This facility boosts the company’s production capacity in Asia to meet growing demand for high-performance materials in the new energy, industrial, and advanced transportation sectors.

Key Features & Sustainability

The new state-of-the-art facility produces 5,000 tons of high-performance Therban® HNBR annually. This material is engineered for extreme reliability in automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, and industrial systems, as well as next-generation battery technology. The plant enhances ARLANXEO's safety, efficiency, and sustainability standards by utilizing advanced finishing technology for better product consistency. Furthermore, its integrated thermal oxidation system optimizes energy usage and reduces key process carbon emissions by approximately 80% compared to conventional methods.

According to Towards Chemicals And Materials Analytics and Consulting, the 1,3 butadiene market size accounted for USD 44.19 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 46.38 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 71.64 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.95% from 2026 to 2035 as compound demand from the automotive and electronics sectors is rapidly increasing.

The project achieved rapid completion within 13 months while maintaining a flawless safety record, surpassing 1.1 million man-hours without a single lost-time or recordable incident.

Automotive Industry Demand Accelerates the 1,3 Butadiene Market

• The increasing production of vehicle components and tires using synthetic rubbers such as Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR) and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is driving positive market growth.
• Surge in investments in commercial and residential construction fuels demand for sealants, butadiene-based adhesives, and insulation materials.
• Ongoing urban expansion in emerging economies such as China and India has raised demand for infrastructure materials and consumer goods.
• The rapid shift towards EVs is fuelling demand for high-performance, specialized tires and lightweight interior components.