Kolon expands hydrocarbon resins production, becomes global No.2 maker

South Korea’s chemicals and industrial materials maker Kolon Industries Inc. have added another 15,000 tons of annual capacity in its hydrocarbon resin (HCR) manufacturing. The addition gives Kolon a total capacity of 200,000 tons annually, making it the second-largest manufacturer in the world.

Kolon Industries said on June 21 that the company has completed the expansion of its HCR production plant in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.

The expanded facility will be producing high reactive resins (HRRs), a type of HCR developed in-house by Kolon Industries for the first time in the world. HRRs, compared to the existing range of adhesives, contain fewer toxins and have superior thermal resistance and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial uses from automobiles to construction.  

Kolon Industries said pure monomer resins (PMR), another type of HCR, will also be produced at the new facilities in Yeosu. The company explained that using its PMR products in manufacturing vehicle tires can improve the tires’ grip force while maintaining fuel efficiency.

The company’s new facilities will also mass produce liquid HCR. Kolon Industries will be the second company in the world, as well as the first in South Korea, to produce and supply hydrocarbon resins in liquid form.

Liquid HCR, typically used for tires and road construction, eases and simplifies the tire manufacturing and road construction processes compared to solid-state HCR products, said Kolon.

“Our new plant marks a milestone in making our hydrocarbon resin business more sustainable with a more innovative portfolio,” said Kolon Industries CEO Jang Hee-goo.

Write to Kyung-min Kang at kkm1026@hankyung.com
Daniel Cho edited this article.