AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel is boosting capacity in Sweden for its Expancel expandable microspheres in order to meet growing global demand. The company is investing EUR 30 million in the expansion.

Used as a blowing agent or lightweight filler, the Expancel product line is continuing to evolve and find new applications in markets such as thermoplastics, printing inks, coatings, and paper and board.

The extra capacity, due to come on stream in early 2012, will be added at the company's site in Stockvik, Sweden. Part of the investment will also be used to further improve eco-efficiency at the facility and to implement several additional upgrades.