Mitsui Chemicals Co., Ltd. decided to set up a new long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (LGFPP) production facility in China Mitsui Advanced Composites (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd. (Chairman: Niki Yasuhiro Niki).
This will become the third production base of Mitsui Chemicals Group in Japan and the United States, joining existing production bases in Japan and the United States. By establishing this new plant, Mitsui Chemicals' production capacity will increase to 10,500 tons per year.
LGFPP developed by Mitsui Chemicals Co., Ltd. is a composite material made of long glass fiber melted and mixed polypropylene (PP) resin. The lightweight material provides an attractive appearance, with long glass fibers providing a balance between good hardness and impact resistance. The material has been used in areas such as unpainted interior rear doors.
The recent strengthening of environmental regulations and the shift to electric vehicles have led to an increase in demand for lightweight vehicles.
As a result, the demand for fiber reinforced resins is rising and is expected to grow further to replace metal materials such as automotive doors and other similar components. (Mitsui Chemicals certified LGFPP as a Blue ValueTM product based on high environmental contribution values.)