Specialty chemicals firm LANXESS is reportedly investing in its ion exchange resin manufacturing facility at the Leverkusen site. As per trusted sources, the project is expected to conclude by mid-2019 as the company plans to optimize operating efficiency and process technology for an undisclosed amount.
Reportedly, the demand for ion exchange resins is being driven by the trend toward electromobility and is increasing particularly in the battery industry. Sources familiar with the development claim that metals needed to manufacture battery cells – cobalt, nickel, and lithium – can be extracted by utilizing ion exchange resins.
Member of the Board of Management at LANXESS, Rainier van Roessel was reportedly quoted stating that the company views a great potential across several future-oriented industries for the ion exchange resins business. Moreover, LANXESS would further strengthen the position of the Leverkusen facility and better utilize the potential of manufacturing operations in Germany by optimizing the technology, van Roessel further added.
In addition to ion exchange resins, LANXESS provides membrane filter elements for ultrafiltration membranes and reverse osmosis. One of the world’s most significant water treatment solutions provider, the Lanxess Liquid Purification Technologies (LPT) business unit offers complementary water treatment technologies from a single source, noted a press release issued by LANXESS.
For the record, ion exchange resins assist in eliminating organic pollutants from both industrial wastewater and groundwater, and heavy metals along the likes of cadmium and mercury. Moreover, the polymer beads are utilized in power plants to produce highly purified water and steam. Operational safety, efficiency, and service life can be increased while deposits and corrosion can be prevented by using polymer beads, cite sources.
Apart from Leverkusen, LANXESS has facilities at Jhagadia, India and Bitterfeld, Germany to manufacture ion exchange resins. Reportedly, the LPT unit manufactures reverse osmosis membrane filters in Bitterfeld. Employing about 530 individuals worldwide, the LPT unit is led by Bettina Blottko.
