Stahl commission pu emulsion facility

Stahl Europe bv have successfully developed and started up a new reactor train, based on in-line reaction technology, for the production of specialised polyurethane dispersions. These are used in downstream formulations for Stahl's leather finish and permuthane product lines. The official opening of the new facilities at Waalwijk, the Netherlands, took place on April 22 to coincide with festivities celebrating fifty years of Stahl in Europe. These new facilities are based on cutting edge technology and strongly support Stahl's strategy to strengthen their global product leadership position. The plant produces a wide range of top quality dispersions specifically addressing customer and market requirements. The new plant includes many new features that are perfectly matched with Stahl's innovative and entrepreneurial skills. In-line reaction technology allows production in a highly flexible and efficient manner and minimises operator exposure to chemicals, thereby eliminating the need for protective clothing. Walk-in weighing booths and piggable line systems further enhance the working conditions and reduce waste. Both the technology and product quality have been tested during recent years in laboratories, pilot plant and on a limited commercial scale. They have now been expanded with confidence to a full-scale plant. Stahl intend moving all polyurethane dispersion production from the old production facility to the new one as part of an overall plan to upgrade the Waalwijk site from an environmental and efficiency point of view.