Kisuma Launches Setogem RD: A Dual-Function Nucleator and Acid Scavenger for Polypropylene

Kisuma Launches Setogem RD: A Dual-Function Nucleator and Acid Scavenger for Polypropylene

William Faulkner 13-Jun-2025

Kisuma Chemicals, a global leader in magnesium-based additive technologies, has introduced Setogem™ RD, an innovative dual-function molecule designed to improve the performance, efficiency and sustainability of polypropylene (PP) materials. This development marks a strategic expansion of Kisuma’s additive portfolio and reflects its commitment to offering advanced solutions for the plastics industry.

Kisuma Chemicals, a global leader in magnesium-based additive technologies, has introduced Setogem™ RD, an innovative dual-function molecule designed to improve the performance, efficiency and sustainability of polypropylene (PP) materials. This development marks a strategic expansion of Kisuma’s additive portfolio and reflects its commitment to offering advanced solutions for the plastics industry.

Setogem™ RD functions as both a high-efficiency nucleating agent and an effective acid scavenger, helping streamline polypropylene formulation. “We are very proud to offer this unique new molecule to our customers in the plastics industry,” said Samir El Khoury, Regional Business Manager for the Middle East & Africa and Global Product Line Manager for Polyolefin Additives at Kisuma Chemicals. “As a two-in-one product, Setogem™ RD offers a superior balance of properties in a single, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient solution.”

The molecule’s nucleating properties enhance the formation and control of polymer crystals, resulting in PP with exceptional stiffness, impact resistance, and isotropic shrinkage. Additionally, it improves heat deflection temperature and reduces creep deformation. These features contribute to superior final part quality and enable faster and more reliable processing.

Simultaneously, Setogem™ RD exhibits strong acid scavenging capabilities, offering non-migratory performance even at low concentrations. This reduces the risk of additive blooming and migration—critical for medical and food contact applications where stringent regulatory standards apply. Furthermore, the molecule helps protect processing equipment from corrosion and supports the stability of other polymer additives over time.

Notably, Setogem™ RD is zinc-free and does not rely on tallow or palm oil derivatives, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional additives like talc and sodium benzoate. It allows for a significantly lower use level—only 200 to 300 ppm compared to several kilograms per ton required for traditional solutions. Its low Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint adds to its sustainability credentials. For example, a major industrial user has begun replacing talc with Setogem™ RD in a 1 million metric ton per year (MMtpy) PP production line, eliminating employee exposure to talc and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 2,000 tons annually.

Talc has come under increased scrutiny for health risks, and in 2024, the European Chemicals Agency classified it as a hazardous substance. Setogem™ RD offers a safer and more compliant alternative.

Currently, the product is globally available and has secured food contact approvals in the EU, Switzerland, Brazil and Japan. Approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected by the end of the year.

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