Nouryon expands China production of Levasil colloidal silica to support growing Asia-Pacific demand in catalysts, coatings, and advanced industrial applications.
Nouryon, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has announced plans to expand its manufacturing capacity in China to address rising demand for high-quality colloidal silica. The expansion focuses on the production of premium grades of Levasil® colloidal silica at the company’s facility in Guangzhou. This move is aimed at supporting rapidly growing industries across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those involved in emissions control catalysts, electrical steel coatings, and non-stick cookware applications.
By increasing local production capabilities, Nouryon intends to position itself closer to its customer base, enabling faster delivery times and a more reliable supply chain. This proximity allows the company to provide a wider portfolio of advanced Levasil grades while helping manufacturers reduce waiting periods and maintain consistent production schedules. Such improvements are expected to support businesses in developing innovative technologies and scaling industrial processes more efficiently.
Levasil colloidal silica plays a vital role in several industrial sectors due to its versatile properties. In emissions control catalysts, it assists automotive and industrial manufacturers in complying with stricter environmental regulations by improving the effectiveness of catalytic systems. In the energy sector, particularly in electrical steel coatings, it enhances the efficiency of transformers, contributing to improved performance and reduced energy losses within power grids. Additionally, in the cookware industry, Levasil is used in non-stick coatings to increase durability and enhance product performance, ensuring longer-lasting and higher-quality consumer goods.
Company leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion. Patrick Wilhelm, Vice President for Growth Accelerator Industrials at Nouryon, highlighted that China’s fast-evolving, technology-driven industries are creating an urgent need for advanced materials like colloidal silica. He noted that manufacturers striving to innovate in catalysts and performance coatings increasingly rely on access to high-quality inputs. According to Wilhelm, this investment reinforces Nouryon’s commitment to supporting customers as a dependable, long-term partner capable of meeting complex and demanding application requirements.
Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets and China, also pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region represents one of the most dynamic markets for premium colloidal silica, with China playing a central role in driving growth. He explained that expanding production within the region enables Nouryon to better align with market demand and maintain its competitive position. This localized approach ensures that the company can continue delivering advanced solutions while growing alongside its customers in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
This manufacturing expansion builds upon Nouryon’s earlier investment in innovation infrastructure, including the opening of a state-of-the-art innovation center in Shanghai in November 2025. The facility features eight specialized laboratories, one of which is dedicated to Levasil applications in catalyst technologies and related fields. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Nouryon’s broader strategy of fostering innovation, strengthening collaboration with customers, and supporting sustainable, long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific market.
