Albemarle will boost European output by 10,000 tonnes/year

Albemarle is to increase production of its mineral-based flame retardants at Bergheim, Germany. The company will add 10,000 tonnes of annual capacity to meet strengthening demand for its speciality aluminium hydroxide flame retardants.

Wolfgang Hardke, the US firm’s global business manager for flame retardants for wire and cable, said: “Demand for Martinal raw materials and Martinal mineral flame retardants is very high and expected to increase.” Albemarle also announced a price increase of at least $0.40 per lb for the product, ex warehouse for bulk and full-container shipments in North America and Asia Pacific.

“The price increase is needed in part to help offset increases in raw material, energy and transportation costs associated with the production and supply of aluminium hydroxide,” the company said.