ARLANXEO Opens New Therban® (HNBR) Plant in Changzhou, China to Boost Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Production
Published: 13 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
ARLANXEO Introduces Cutting-edge HNBR Plant in Changzhou, China
In February 2026, ARLANXEO opened a new production facility Therban® (HNBR) in Changzhou, China. This new plant expands the company's capacity as a global elastomer leader, ensuring faster, better service for the Asia-Pacific region.
Advanced Finishing Technology
This facility uses innovative finishing technology to boost production efficiency and ensure product consistency. By integrating a thermal oxidation system, it reduces carbon emissions by approximately 80% compared to traditional methods. The new 5,000 t/y Therban HNBR facility maximizes resource efficiency through a closed-loop design, featuring zero liquid discharge and low-carbon emissions. It supplies high-performance rubber for different sectors, including automotive and advanced battery technologies.
According to Towards Chem&Materials, the nitrile butadiene rubber market size accounted for USD 3.85 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 4.10 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 7.26 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.55% from 2026 to 2035 as product demand from the oil and gas sector is increasing across the globe.
The project achieved an exemplary safety record, reaching over 1.1 million man-hours without a single lost-time or recordable incident, with construction through to start-up completed in just 13 months.
Sustainability & Technology Accelerate the Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Market
- The plants consist of a cutting-edge thermal oxidation system that minimizes carbon emissions by nearly 80% as compared to traditional processes and operates with a closed-loop system to cut routine wastewater.
- Market players are heavily investing in sustainable and bio-based products derived from renewable resources to fulfil green standards.
- High-performance, fast-curing NBR is increasingly gaining popularity for industrial belts, hoses, and seals to enhance overall production efficiency.
- NBR remains crucial in EVs for thermal shielding, battery seals, and coolant management, even as conventional engine components decline.
- Stricter VOC (volatile organic compound) limits in Europe and California are impelling a shift from solvent-borne to waterborne NBR systems.
- Alternatives such as thermoplastic elastomers and fluoroelastomers may impact NBR's market share in specific applications.
- Major companies driving these trends include LANXESS AG, ARLANXEO, Kumho Petrochemical, LG Chem, and Zeon Corporation.