Citing strong growth in its hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) grades, Kraton Performance Polymers (Houston, Texas / USA; www.kraton.com) has initiated a project assessment to identify options for building a new HSBC plant in Asia. As part of the assessment Kraton currently is looking for a suitable site with the selection team expected to make their recommendation by December 2010. Following a detailed cost assessment scheduled to take place next year, Kraton expects to begin constructing the 30,000 t/y plant in 2012, with 2013 pencilled in as a start-up date for the state-of-the-art facility.

The US company recently relocated its office in Shanghai / China to a new location, doubling the size of the original one to accommodate its growing workforce.