Nouryon Increases Colloidal Silica Production Capacity in China

Nouryon, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, has announced an expansion of its manufacturing capacity for high-quality Levasil® colloidal silica at its production facility in Guangzhou, China. This strategic 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 coatings. By increasing production closer to its customer base, Nouryon intends to enhance supply efficiency, reduce delivery times, and offer a wider portfolio of premium Levasil products. This will enable manufacturers to access essential materials more reliably as they develop and scale advanced technologies and industrial applications.

Levasil colloidal silica plays a vital role in numerous industrial processes due to its unique chemical and physical properties. In the field of emissions control, it is used in catalysts that help vehicles and industrial machinery comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations by reducing harmful emissions. Within electrical steel coatings, Levasil contributes to improved energy efficiency, particularly in transformers that are critical components of power distribution networks. Additionally, in the cookware industry, it enhances the durability and performance of non-stick coatings, ensuring better longevity and functionality for everyday use.

Patrick Wilhelm, Vice President for Growth Accelerator Industrials at Nouryon, emphasized the importance of this expansion by noting that China’s technology-driven sectors are evolving rapidly. He highlighted that access to advanced materials like colloidal silica has become essential for manufacturers striving to innovate in catalyst technologies and high-performance coatings. According to Wilhelm, this investment reinforces Nouryon’s commitment to being a dependable, long-term partner for its customers, supporting them as they scale complex and demanding applications.

Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon, also underscored the significance of the Asia-Pacific region as a key growth market for premium colloidal silica. He pointed out that China, in particular, is a major contributor to this expansion due to its strong industrial and technological advancements. By increasing its production capacity in the region, Nouryon is positioning itself to grow in tandem with its customers while meeting the rising demand for innovative and high-performance material solutions.

This latest expansion builds upon Nouryon’s earlier investment in the region, including the launch of its 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 ongoing commitment to innovation, customer collaboration, and sustainable growth in specialty chemicals. The Levasil product range continues to serve as a versatile and essential component across multiple segments, including Resource Solutions for catalyst applications and Performance Materials for coatings development.