Kraton Increases Capacity for SYLVATRAXX™ Tread Enhancement Additives

HOUSTON, Feb. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA), a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, announces it intends to increase operational capacity of SYLVATRAXX tread enhancement additives (TEA) to meet the growing demand in the tire industry. Kraton anticipates that the expansion will result in a 20 percent increase in production at the Niort plant in France and is scheduled to complete by fourth quarter 2018.

"We are excited to support our customers with an investment in the increased capacity," said Kevin Campbell, Kraton's Vice President, Emerging Business. "Kraton is a proven leader in tread enhancement additives, and we remain committed to meeting the tire industry's needs for long-term growth."

The Niort facility has a long history of supplying a wide range of products to the tires industry including pure aromatic monomer resins and aromatically-modified terpene-based resins with a higher renewable content.

Kraton is exploring additional options for manufacturing expansion to meet long-term demand growth.

The TEA demand growth is driven by an increased need for safety and fuel economy as well as sustainability considerations. SYLVATRAXX products are intended to provide tire manufacturers with an improved balance of wet grip performance and low rolling resistance and up to 100 percent biobased content.

Kraton will showcase a broad range of SYLVATRAXX products at the upcoming Tire Technology Expo (Booth# C230) on February 20-22 in Hannover, Germany. To schedule an appointment with a Kraton representative, contact Sander Ridder at [email protected].

About Kraton Corporation  
Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA) is a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products. Kraton's polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving and roofing applications. As the largest global provider in the pine chemicals industry, the company's pine-based specialty products are sold into adhesive, road and construction and tire markets, and it produces and sells a broad range of performance chemicals into markets that include fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks and mining. Kraton offers its products to a diverse customer base in numerous countries worldwide. Kraton, the Kraton logo, and SYLVATRAXX are all trademarks or registered trademarks of Kraton Corporation, or its subsidiaries or affiliates, in one or more, but not all countries.  

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, beliefs, expectations, and current views with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements are characterized by the use of words such as "is scheduled," "intends," "plans," or "anticipates".

All forward-looking statements in this press release, including statements regarding timing, completion, and results of the operational expansion at Niort, are made based on management's current expectations and estimates, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no obligation to update such information in light of new information or future events.

Media Contact: Thao Pham; T: (281) 770-1380
Investor Relations Contact: Gene Shiels; T: (281) 504-4886

SOURCE Kraton Corporation

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http://www.kraton.com