Specialty chemicals group Lanxess has invested € 5 million in its phosphorus chemicals production network in Leverkusen. One of the largest of its kind in the world, this network is the foundation for efficient production, global availability and high supply reliability. The newly implemented measures will result in a capacity increase of ten percent for phosphorus chlorides. «In addition to debottlenecking the production unit, we improved the logistics concepts for our drum- and tank car-filling facilities. That gives us even more flexibility. We are well equipped now to meet the increased demand on the global market» says Jorge Nogueira, head of the Functional Chemicals (FCC) business unit.
Lanxess is a leading supplier of phosphorus chemicals, which on account of their chemical versatility represent a main pillar of synthetic chemistry. Excellent backward integration, decades of experience and modern plants provide the foundation required for economical production and top-level quality. Starting with elemental phosphorus, the company produces a variety of derivatives which can be used in numerous fields of application. Phosphorus chlorides are starting materials for the chemical synthesis of flame retardants, water treatment chemicals, lubricant additives, crop protection active ingredients and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Phosphorus based flame retardants, which FCC also manufactures, are found worldwide in many plastic products. The brands Disflamoll, Levagard and Uniplex serve to flameproof polymers such as polyurethane, PVC, polycarbonate and polymer blends, e.g. for cable sheathing or housings for electrical devices.
