Norac Additives broke ground on a new esterification line at its production site in Helena, Arkansas, giving its German parent company Peter Greven greater access to the North American market.
Norac has been largely focussed on esters for plastics with lubricants being a new business line for the Arkansas team, according to a representative of Peter Greven. Peter Greven specializes in oleochemical additives with particular competencies in lubricants. The company is bringing technology from Europe for the new line so it can output the same products in the U.S.
The new esterification line at the Arkansas plant should be completed and by the end of 2025. When operational, it will produces both solid esters for plastics and liquid esters for lubricants. Norac uses fatty acids from renewable sources, which make a good alternative to fossil-based feedstocks. Oleo esters such biodegradability, high biogenic share and lower carbon footprint performance.
“As sustainable lubrication and bio-lubricants have gained in importance all around the world and the market is still growing, we see the new line as a great opportunity to develop our lubricants business in the U.S.,” Denise Haas, Peter Greven’s marketing manager, told Lube Report. “Oleochemical esters. .. are a very good choice for companies looking into sustainable alternatives.”