Emerald Kalama Chemical, a division of Emerald Performance Materials, has completed the first of several planned phases of its technical expansion focused on its K-FLEX® non-phthalate plasticizers and coalescents.

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH – Emerald Kalama Chemical, a division of Emerald Performance Materials, has completed the first of several planned phases of its technical expansion focused on its K-FLEX® non-phthalate plasticizers and coalescents. The business has also increased its technical staff by 50 percent. In addition, the company has approved the investment in a new technical center and will break ground later this summer at its Kalama, WA, site. The new technical center is scheduled to open in spring 2012.

Phase one of the expansion focused on the purchase of new analytical and applications testing equipment. State-of-the-art instruments are now available on site to determine glass transition, minimum film forming temperatures, volatility and adhesion. The laboratory is additionally equipped to develop formulations and measure performance in a variety of key end-use applications, including latex adhesives, coatings, plastisols, caulks and sealants.

“As customers continue to seek more environmentally friendly materials, the dibenzoate ester type of chemistry used in the K-FLEX product line is a preferred alternative,” said Shamsi Gravel, Product Line Manager for The Americas. “Recent rulings regarding phthalates over the last couple years have fueled a significant increase in the number of customer development projects in our current laboratory. The expanded laboratory facilities and technical resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, as we can further develop and expand our range of products and optimize their performance for targeted end-use applications.”