Sun Chemical Plans Major Capacity Expansion of Metallic Effect Pigments

A global expansion planned by Sun Chemical, Parsippany, N.J., will nearly double the capacity of its Benda-Lutz metallic effect pigments designed for plastics, coatings, printing inks, and autoclaved aerated concrete. The over $10-million 40% capacity expansion investment is scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

“Both decorative and functional metallic effects continue to be strategic product lines for Sun Chemical. In the past several years, we have seen tremendous growth of our Benda-Lutz brand in a wide range of applications,” said Myron Petruch, president of Sun Chemical Performance Pigments. These pigments include the Benda-Lutz Splendal series of premium mirror-like coatings for automotive interior plastic components which are comprised of four unique microscopically-thin aluminum platelet suspensions produced via physical vapor deposition. When formulated with Burnock L-AC 1038 acrylic resins from Sun Chemical’s parent company DIC, they have outstanding adhesion when directly applied to ABS, ABS/PC, PMMA and PVC, and provide luxurious finishes.