June 21, 2025 – AsiaMB Exclusive: Nouryon and ACME Forge Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize Lightweight Materials Market
In a groundbreaking move for Asia’s color masterbatch industry, global specialty chemicals leader Nouryon has entered a strategic partnership with Ningbo ACME New Materials to accelerate innovation in lightweight material solutions. The collaboration centers on expanding production and applications of Expancel® thermoplastic expandable microspheres across Asian markets.
“This alliance combines Nouryon’s global material science expertise with ACME’s localized production capabilities,” explained Sylvia Winkel Pettersson, Nouryon’s VP of Specialty Polymers. “Together, we’ll develop next-generation solutions specifically addressing Asia’s unique lightweighting challenges in automotive and consumer applications.”
The partnership leverages ACME’s proprietary predispersed masterbatch technology with Nouryon’s patented microsphere innovation. Expancel®’s micron-scale polymer particles can expand up to 60 times their original volume when heated, offering masterbatch formulators unprecedented opportunities in:
• Weight reduction up to 40% in polymer composites
• Enhanced surface finish for premium applications
• Improved dimensional stability in extreme conditions
“By integrating our rubber additive expertise with Nouryon’s advanced materials, we’re creating sustainable solutions for electric vehicles and high-performance sporting goods,” said ACME Chairman Lian Qianrong. The collaboration will initially focus on developing automotive-grade formulations meeting stringent OEM requirements.
Industry analysts note this partnership arrives as Asia’s lightweight materials market grows at 18% CAGR, driven by EV adoption and sustainable packaging trends. Nouryon’s Ningbo production base positions the alliance to serve regional demand more effectively than overseas suppliers.
The joint venture will debut its first co-developed products at September’s Asia Coat+ conference, featuring innovations in:
- Low-density masterbatches for automotive interiors
- Energy-absorbing materials for protective equipment
- Sustainable filler alternatives for packaging
This strategic alignment signals a broader shift toward localized material innovation in Asia’s polymer industry, with implications across the masterbatch value chain.